SURF LIFESAVING COMPETITION

Competition has a key role in improving lifesaving skills, fitness and motivation. From age 7, our members can compete in a range of aquatic and beach events designed to promote fitness and surf skills at all levels. Langland Bay competes in a number of competitions each year which are held at various locations around the coast. These events usually last over a weekend and most people will camp or stay in caravan which makes the whole weekend thouroughly enjoyable!

The events described below are specific to competitiors over the age of 13. Events for the Nippers are similar in description but less competitive and a lesser distance. The aim is for everyone to enjoy themselves!

Description of Surf Events

IRONMAN/DIAMOND LADY

This is the ultimate test of a lifesaver's skill and fitness as these races push fitness and endurance to the limit! Competitors cover a 1200m course that includes a swim leg of over 250 metres, a mal board paddling leg of around 300 metres and a surf ski paddle of over 400 metres. The transition between each leg is a 50 metre sprint with a further 50m sprint to finish.

SURF SWIM

With a running start into the surf from the start line on the beach, competitors swim around the 400m (280m for Masters) course designated by buoys, returning to shore to finish between the finish flags on the beach.

SKI RACE

Competitiors start in knee depth water and on the starters order they will paddle around 3 buoys and return to the shore to finish between 2 green flags. The total distance is about 700-800m depending on the surf conditions.

BOARD RACE

Competitors race on 3.2 metre fibreglass boards out through the break, around a set of three buoys and back to the water's edge. Competitor's then run up the beach with their board to the finish line. The race length can vary from 650 metres to over 700 metres depending on the surf conditions.

BEACH FLAGS

This is an aggressive knock-out event where competitors, who lie face down on the sand prior to the starter's whistle, sprint 20 metres before diving for a rubber baton located in the sand. One competitor drops out each round until only one person remains

BEACH SPRINTS/RELAYS

Competitors race over a distance of 90 metres in soft or hard sand. Teams of four runners make up a relay team run over the same course as the beach sprint with team members using a piece of rubber hose as the baton.