Surf Sports

Surf Sports plays a pivotal role in the surf lifesaving community and aids in the development core skills. Surf Lifesavers have the opportunity to compete in a range of disciplines including ski, swim, board, sprints, flags and distance running. Competitors also have many team events that they can take part in.

These competitions are held at Club, Branch, State, National levels. Taree Old Bar SLSC supports local carnivals in our Branch.

Timing and agenda of the carnival dates for the 2024/25 season subject to change. All SLS carnivals are available on the SLSNSW website surflifesaving.com.au/events/. Carnivals within our branch this season are as follows:

Carnival Dates 24/25 Season

• Champion Lifesaver, 8yrs+ (Pacific Palms) : 16 November 2024
• Interbranch Carnival (Cape Hawke) : 30 Nov & 1 December 2024
• LNC Branch Carnival (Forster) : 7 December 2024
• Country Champs (Warilla Barrack Point) : 24 to 26 January 2025
• Fast 5 (Black Head) : 8 February 2025
• Rock to Rock Ocean Swim (Pacific Palms) : Easter Sunday 20 April 2025

For any enquiries or to register for up coming competitions and events please email the Director of Surf Sports at surfsports@tareeoldbarsurfclub.com.au

Featured Surf Sport Competitor - Gary Smith

Gary began competing at 16 years of age for Bondi SLSC and found his love for surf ski racing at the age of 24 years. He has achieved greatly in the ski discipline, winning 11 NSW Surf Lifesaving titles and 9 Australian Masters titles. These national championships include the single and double ski events and the Taplin relay. Gary’s most memorable achievement was winning the Taplin team event in 1994, where his swim and board teammates put him in 3rd position going into the final leg and he came from behind to take first place in a race up the beach. Gary is also the reigning over 70’s double ski National Champion.

Gary has seen some changes in Surf Lifesaving Competitions over the years and noted the cancellation of Novelty events in the 1970’s which included pillow fighting and chariot racing. Gary reported that he enjoys being associated with the Taree Old Bar Surf Life Saving Club due to the camaraderie of its membership and being able to give back to the community.