Surf Life Saving SA wishes our IRB State Team and our SA Clubs the very best of luck as they take on the Nation's best at the National IRB Championships at Thirroul Beach in NSW.
Surf Life Saving SA IRB State Team Members:
Mens
- Kane Butler
- William McNamara
- Paul Perry
- Trent Stone
- Jamie Rose
- Daryl Stanton
- Max Rogers
- Ashley Sanders
- Reserve: Scott Axton
Womens
- Ingrid Cobiac
- Ashleigh Chappill
- Kristen Rothwell
- Rachelle Rothwell
- Katie Meyer
- Tayla Cox
- Jacqui Corbett
- Caitlin Stone
- Reserve: Kate Perry
Five times Australian IRB Champions, North Burleigh are on their way to Surf Life Saving Australia’s 2018 National IRB Championships in Thirroul this weekend (13- 15 July) in pursuit of a sixth consecutive national crown.
However, the elite crew will find foes in both Queensland’s, Kurrawa who upstaged the champions in last month’s 2018 QLD titles and NSW Title winners, Kiama Downs, who found themselves as bridesmaids to North Burleigh in 2017.
In 2018 a record number of Surf Lifesaver’s will compete at this year’s National titles with more than 1000 competitors from 46 Surf Life Saving clubs around Australia fine-tuning their IRB skills for the weekend of racing ahead.
Of this record figure in 2018, one-third competitors across all the events are women, including 50 open IRB Drivers.
Returning for their second year the Master's event will kick off the event on Friday morning. Followed by a high-octane State of Origin Showdown on Friday afternoon with the interstate tiles which have been dominated by Queensland who are aiming for 10th consecutive Interstate title this year.
With a low-pressure system travelling up the coast, conditions have been forecast to be challenging for the motoring craft enthusiasts.
Surf Life Saving Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Adam Weir highlighted the importance of the event and the significance of IRBs as a primary rescue device for surf lifesavers across the country.
“In 2017 IRB crews performed 1350 rescues across the country,” Weir said.
“IRB competition whilst fast-paced and exciting also assists us in developing and enhancing the skills our crews use for saving lives every year.
“The Championship provides an opportunity for surf lifesavers to test these skills against other crews in simulated rescue events, with the aim of providing a better service to the community.
“This year’s IRB Championships are expected to be another fantastic event and Surf Life Saving Australia welcomes spectators and encourages residents to head along to catch the action on Thirroul Beach for the Championships.”
Event Schedule
Friday 13 July
- Australian & Interstate IRB Championships Opening Ceremony & March Past from 7:30am
- Australian IRB Masters Competition from 8:00am
- Interstates IRB Competition from 2:00pm
Saturday 14 July
- Australian IRB Opens Competition from 8:00am
Sunday 15 July
- Australian IRB Opens Competition from 8:00am
Competing Surf Life Saving Clubs
- Aldinga Bay
- Mudjimba
- Alexandra Headland
- Mullaloo
- Barwon Heads 13th Beach
- Newport
- Bribie Island
- Nobbys (NSW)
- Brighton
- North Burleigh
- Brighton (SA)
- North Cronulla
- Broadbeach
- Ocean Grove
- Catherine Hill Bay
- Point Lookout
- Caves Beach
- Port Noarlunga
- Coogee (NSW)
- Queenscliff
- Coolum Beach
- Scarboro
- Dicky Beach
- Soldiers Beach
- Elwood
- Soldiers Beach
- Forster
- South Maroubra
- Frankston
- South Melbourne
- Helensburgh Stanwell Park
- Stockton
- Kawana Waters
- Terrigal
- Kiama Downs
- Thirroul
- Kirra
- Umina
- Kurrawa
- Williamstown Swimming and LSC (Inc.)
- Lorne
- Wonthaggi
- Maroubra
- Woonona
- Miami Beach