Surf Boats

Surf boat racing is one of the most spectacular events in Surf Life Saving competitions.

Crews compete head-to-head, rowing from the beach through the surf into open water, where they turn at a set of buoys and race back to the beach.

As the surfboat nears the shore, the aim is to catch a wave whilst the sweep steers the boat to keep it upright and on the face of the wave.

The sport is not for the faint-hearted and attracts the bravest and most fearless of lifesavers.

Origins of the sport

The surfboat was designed to enter the ocean from the beach in heavy surf or severe waves. Each surfboat is crewed by four rowers and steered by a sweep. Originally they were used in lifesaving or rescue missions where the most expedient access to victims was directly from the beach.

Although the surfboat is no longer used as a lifesaving craft, thousands of lifesavers across Australia uphold the tradition and compete at surfboat events each year.

Newcastle SLSC Surf Boats

Our Surf Boat section has a long and proud tradition of successfully representing the club at a local, state and national level. We are keen to encourage all interested members to join the Boat Section.

To compete, each athlete must have the minimum qualification of a Bronze Medallion and meet the patrol hour requirements according to their membership category.

Competitions typically commence around October and run through to the National Titles in late March. During this period, Newcastle crews compete in the Central Coast and Hunter Surf Boat competition, Australian Surf Rowers League, and State and National Titles.

If you are interested or know someone who is, get in touch with us!