Surf Sports Training
Sawtell offers a range of opportunities for members to get involved in surf sports, from our
nippers through to masters, with training held several times a week. There is coaching to all
levels of skill.
Competition is not compulsory for Sawtell members but it is encouraged as it not only helps
develop the physical skills necessary for patrolling members but also communication and
social skills required to be effective members of a team. Competition is based on individual
and team events. It includes a broad range of events and disciplines such as surf swimming,
board paddling, surf ski, beach flags, beach sprint and ironperson.
It’s not just the athletes who have the opportunity to participate in surf sports and develop
their skills. Many surf sports roles such as coaches, officials, managers and water safety are
all vital to the successful functioning of our surf sports training and carnival participation. We
welcome volunteers in these areas to support the development of our surf sport programs.
At Sawtell, we value sportsmanship, encourage participation and always aim to have fun!
SAWTELL SLSC MISSION STATEMENT
‘To assist competitors to achieve their goals by providing consistent high quality coaching,
and to foster participation in surf sports for the benefit of Sawtell SLSC and Surf Life Saving.’
CARNIVAL/COMPETITION CALENDAR
The latest carnival/competition calendar for the coming season can be found here:
https://slsnorthcoast.com.au/surf-sports/
DESCRIPTION OF CARNIVALS/COMPETITIONS
Throughout the season, Sawtell members are able to participate in competition at branch,
state and national levels. There are some restrictions on competition participants including
lifesaving awards required and the number of patrol hours completed.
Club Championships:
Club championships are held each season at Sawtell in accordance with the Club Policy on Club Championships.
Branch Championships:
Sawtell SLSC is a member of the North Coast Branch of SLS Clubs. A number of Branch
carnivals are conducted each season at various locations within our branch allowing athletes
to compete against other athletes from the local area.
Branch champions for both seniors and masters are awarded based on results from all
carnivals in the competition season across each discipline (swim, board, iron person, ski,
sprints and flags).
Interbranch Championships:
Junior athletes can nominate and compete for selection in the North Coast Interbranch team.
The Interbranch Championships, held each year, sees athletes representing all 11 NSW
Branches in competition.
Country Championships
This is a very important carnival for all country clubs and members are urged to participate.
This is a two day carnival with multiple events involving many team events.
NSW State Titles
Competition in these titles is extremely strong. The carnival is held over 3 weekends
involving lifesaving events, junior age and finally masters and opens. Participation is
encouraged especially from those members who have been training during the season.
Australian Titles (known as the Aussies)
This carnival is the premier lifesaving Carnival in Australia with competitors coming from all
States. Competition is fierce and participation is encouraged from our strongest competitors
or those who love participating and making new friends.
Surf Sports Training
Regular training occurs throughout the competition and off seasons with swim, board, ski,
ironperson, beach events, march past and general fitness being the primary areas of focus.
All skill levels, from Under 8s through to Masters, are invited to attend with dedicated training
groups for beginners, junior intermediate and our senior athletes. Our sessions are located
at Sawtell, Bonville Creek or Coffs Harbour Jetty.
We also welcome members working toward completion of their Surf Rescue Certificate and
Bronze Medallion at our Jetty sessions and provide support toward developing confidence
and skill using rescue equipment.
Training schedules, location and important information is communicated to members via our
WhatsApp Surf Sports Community.
Should you have any questions or would like to know more regarding our surf sports training,
please contact our Head Coach via email at headcoachsawtellslsc@gmail.com