Surfboat racing is one of the most spectacular events in Surf Life Saving competitions. Each surfboat is crewed by four rowers and steered by a sweep. Crews compete head to head, rowing from the beach through the surf into open water where they turn 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.
The surfboat was designed to enter the ocean from the beach in heavy surf or severe waves. 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
Surfboat carnivals are conducted on a weekly basis throughout the Australian summer and hundreds of boat crews take part. The competitions offer members the chance to test their skills and fitness against the very best lifesavers in Australia and provide the opportunity to travel across the State and Country.
The competition season starts in November with local, branch carnivals. The Branch Championships are held in February, the State Championships in March and the season culminates in April with the National Championships. In addition, there are numerous other surfboat events to participate in throughout the season.
The competition categories are set out below:
| Youth | Male | Female | Masters |
| Under 19 Male | Open Men | Open Women | Men |
| Under 19 Female | Reserve Grade | Reserve Grade | Women |
| Under 23 Men | Under 23 Women |
We are keen to encourage younger members to join the Boat Section, if you are interested or know someone who is please contact us. In order to compete each athlete must have the minimum qualification of a Bronze Medallion and meet the patrol hour requirements according to their membership category.
For more information on surf boat rowing at North Curl Curl Surf Club please contact Glenn Slater Director of surf sports surfsports@nccslsc.com.au
