Qld’s best lifesavers go head to head

This weekend’s Queensland Surf Rescue Championships kick off a massive couple of months of surf sport action on the Sunshine Coast.

Beginning tomorrow (Friday), 150 of the state’s top lifesavers will battle for the crown of Queensland’s Champion Lifesaver, putting their patrol, first aid and rescue skills to the ultimate test over three days of competition at Mooloolaba.

In addition to gruelling fitness and athletic challenges, the Surf Rescue Championships also have a unique focus on the lifesaving skills and knowledge of competitors, with two of the three events including a theory component.

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) Sports Manager Stuart Hogben said the competition was the first of four major events occurring within the region over the coming months.

“Following our Surf Rescue events this weekend, we return to Mooloolaba next weekend for the third and final round of our P3 Queensland Beach Series,” he said.

“Around 350 athletes will contest sprints and flags in the hope of being deemed the fastest on sand.

“Our state is home to some of the best beach sprinters in Australia so the competition is sure to be hotly contested. Winners are based on a cumulative point score over the three rounds of the Beach Series, with Alexandra Headland currently in the lead, followed by Maroochydore and Kurrawa.”

Mr Hogben said the action ramps back up over the last two weekends in March, when Alexandra Headland SLSC host the Queensland State Championships.

“We’re excited to bring the state champs back to the Sunshine Coast, where crowds will witness the state’s best athletes across all surf sport disciplines,” he said.

“The pinnacle of our surf sport calendar, the state championships provide an incredible platform to showcase our athletes – from existing Aussie champions right through to the best up-and-coming youngsters.

“The Queensland Youth Championships will be staged from March 20 to 22, and the State Championships (for Opens and Masters) from March 27 to 29. Beach events for the state titles will be held at Mooloolaba.”

Mr Hogben said the high-quality calibre of events would no doubt provide a spectacle for Sunshine Coast sports fans.

“I encourage the Sunshine Coast community to come and take advantage of the opportunity to witness the action live,” he said.

“Trust me, if you are yet to experience surf sport, you won’t be disappointed. The competition allows our athletes to showcase fantastic lifesaving skills while gaining recognition for their sporting efforts at the same time.

“It’s these skills which ultimately save thousands of lives every year so I’d love to see locals cheering our athletes on as they strive for glory.”

The Queensland Surf Rescue Championships will kick off around 8.30am on Saturday and Sunday at Mooloolaba Beach.