03/05/2026
Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships 2026
The Aussies were contested over the last week of March at Tugun Beach on the Gold Coast and our club sent five surfboat crews. Two male Masters, 220 yrs Mavericks and 180 yrs Madmen, one U23 Female The Mongrels and two U19 Male
The Jacuzzis and Loose Cannons.
The Masters were first to race and faced large, unpredictable and very challenging conditions. Initially postponed, the event was transferred to Bilinga beach where conditions were marginally better with all divisions advised the number of rounds would be reduced to limit crews exposure to the conditions.
The 180 Masters The Madmen swept by Ian Martin took to the ocean first, racing in two rounds taking on large powerful waves. Navigating their way to sea was an achievement in itself before returning to shore. Unfortunately the boys finished out of the places and this saw their competition over before the final, but all agreed the experience was worth the effort.
The 220 Masters, The Mavericks then entered the water swept by Marty Drysdale. After a tough race they finished 4th in their heat. With only the top three place getters progressing to the final the boys failed to make the final. While this was a disappointing end to a good season the boys were upbeat and will continue to build into next season.
Day one of the Open Carnival then saw the U23 Females The Mongrels and our Masters crew the Madmen backup in the Reserve Male division both swept by Marty Drysdale.
The surf had settled to great racing conditions as our crews took on a three race round robin format. The girls rowing lifted to a new level finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd in their 3 races qualifying to the elimination round where a close 4th saw them finish the carnival happy with a great overall performance.
The Madmen backing up from masters were keen for more racing, putting in a top effort with two thirds and a fifth to just miss the elimination round with a hard cut. This effort topped off a great season for the crew.
Next day and our final two U19 male crews the Jacuzzis and Loose Cannons swept by Ryan Gough and Paul Jones lined up in good rowing conditions.
The Jacuzzis were attending their first Aussies and gave their all finishing with three fourth places and a heap of knowledge gained of what it takes, to cap off a brilliant first year.
The Loose Cannons have been on the pace all summer and lined up confident. Three rounds and three firsts saw them into the elimination round. Leading home they got into an awkward position and were unfortunately knocked out. Disappointing end to a brilliant season but better things lay ahead for this crew.
That concludes a brilliant season of surfboat racing for our club as the section continues to grow and develop.
