Entries open for the 2018 Coolangatta Gold

Entries are now open for the ultimate challenge in surf sport, The Coolangatta Gold! Australia’s best surf sport athletes, corporate teams, juniors and individuals seeking challenge can now register to compete in the iconic event at  sls.com.au/coolangattagold/

Held annually on the Gold Coast, the most famous race in Surf Life Saving will run across the weekend of October 15 and 16, 2018.

The Coolangatta Gold 2018 will again feature a short and long-course option for competitors, with the elite Open Male and Female races to be contested over the legendary 41.8km course from Coolangatta to Broadbeach and back. 

In 2018, for only the second time, the short course will see competitor’s race over a 21km highly entertaining one transition course which will launch the weekend of racing.

The youth event also return’s this year, specifically designed for our aspiring lifesavers and future ocean and beach event competitors (under 11’s to under 16’s) who are up for a challenge and keen to be part of the main event experience.

The youth course consists of a 300m soft sand run, a 400m swim, 400m run, 500m board and then a 50m run to conclude under the elite finish arch.

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is encouraging teams of up to four, to enter the race and share the four disciplines of ski, board, swim and run.

Speaking about the Coolangatta Gold, SLSA Chief Executive Officer Adam Weir said that “The Coolangatta Gold is one of the most legendary events of our sport that has been a highlight in the careers of some of the great competitors of the past

“This is an opportunity for competitors to race against the best we have to offer, but also put themselves to the test on what is one of the most challenging endurance course on our calendar.

 Winning the event gives athletes a place in our history books, but just finishing the event is an achievement of a lifetime.

“For the second time we are also excited to be able to give athletes an opportunity to race over the short course and the youth course, meaning that there are more opportunities for competitors at all levels to put themselves to the test.

The team’s category is the perfect opportunity to get together with group of friends or work colleagues form a team and take on the Gold together,” Mr Weir said.

In 2017 more than 800 athletes competed in the Coolangatta Gold

Prime Minister to be Patron of Lifesaving World Championships

The honourable Malcolm Turnbull Prime Minister has accepted the role of Patron to the Lifesaving World Championships, LW2018, to be held in Adelaide this November.

A Surf Lifesaver himself, Mr Turnbull said “As someone who has long been involved with the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club, I understand the importance of the work that our surf lifesavers undertake”.

The ILS Lifesaving World Championships are conducted every 2 years, showcasing excellence in lifesaving sports and rescue; attracting the most talented and skilled lifesaving athletes to compete for the title of World’s best. It is an opportunity to profile the Lifesaving Movement, the important role it plays as an emergency service and highlight our members’ contribution to community.

“We should all be grateful that the time we spend on the beach, whether by ourselves or with family is often under the watchful and dedicated eye of a Surf Lifesaver who has chosen to dedicate their time to water safety” said Mr Turnbull.

The Lifesaving World Championships will take place at Glenelg Beach and South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre at Marion from 16 November to 2 December 2018. With the addition of the inaugural World Youth Championships to the program, LWC 2018 is set to be the largest lifesaving event ever held. 6000 athletes from around the world are expected to compete with an additional 1000 officials and volunteers assisting with the event. 

Executive Committee Chairman of LWC 2018, John Baker said “These Championships promise to be the biggest ever and the Prime Minister’s patronage reflects the stature of the event”.

“The Prime Minister has always been a big supporter of Surf Life Saving and it’s great to have him as our Patron for “the Worlds” said Mr Baker.

More information regarding the Lifesaving World Championships 2018 can be found here.

Adam Weir Appointed as Surf Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer

Following a lengthy and extensive recruitment process SLSA President Graham Ford AM today announced that the Board of Surf Life Saving Australia have appointed Adam Weir as Chief Executive Officer.

“On behalf of the SLSA Board I am delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Adam to the role of Chief Executive Officer.  Adam is a life-long member of Surf Life Saving and brings to the role extensive experience across all facets of the movement, including a representative career on the Australian Life Saving Team and many roles across coastal safety and lifesaving.

Adam has shown exemplary leadership skills and has a collaborative approach in managing and working with people. I look forward to working with him as does the rest of the SLSA team to ensure future sustainability of the movement.” said Graham Ford AM, President SLSA.

Adam started out as an 8-year-old nipper at Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club where he has been a member since 1983. During the late 80’s and 90’s he was a successful competitor at all levels of surf sport competition, winning 11 Australian Championships and multiple world championships over a competitive career spanning a decade. He was a member of the Australian Surf Life Saving Team from 1992 through to 1998, finishing his representative career as Captain of the Australian Team in 1998. Adam was also a recipient of the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

Throughout Adam’s professional involvement in Surf Life Saving, at both SLSA and SLSNSW, he has been a passionate advocate for coastal safety and drowning prevention both within Australian and Internationally. His innovative approach to applied risk management in guiding drowning prevention strategies underpin many significant strategic initiatives that have been delivered in recent years.

Adam is an asset to the organisation with his strong knowledge of the movement across all areas, risk management expertise, excellent stakeholder relationship skills, solid financial and business management, innovative approach and a background in ICT. 

Since December 2017, Adam has been in the role of Chief Operating Officer at SLSA responsible for the Corporate Services and Capacity & Capability portfolios. Adam has also played a key role in the management of the organisations ICT Upgrade Project, ensuring that the organisation’s ICT infrastructure is sustainable, up to date and fit for purpose.

 “Surf Life Saving has been such a huge part of my life, both as a member and as an employee. I am truly grateful to the Board for the confidence they have shown in me by appointing me to this role. Surf Life Saving in Australia has great tradition and heritage as one of the most iconic and recognisable organisations in the country. I have great respect for all those who have contributed to making the organisation what it is and I am very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Surf Life Saving in the next few years.”

Adam said that he has been lucky to have had guidance throughout his career from some great surf lifesavers and is extremely grateful for the support they have provided him.

 “It is important that we are united as an organisation at every level, club, branch, state and national, for if we are to make the most of what the future has to offer we have to do it together.”

“Ultimately, we are all here to try to make it easier for members to do what they love doing, they are the most important people in the organisation.”

Adam will commence in the role immediately.