Courtney Hancock will continue her career at Surfers Paradise after moving from Northcliffe

Courtney Hancock will sensationally switch surf life saving clubs from BMD Northcliffe to Surfers Paradise half way through the Nutri-Grain Series in search of a fresh start.

COURTNEY Hancock will sensationally switch surf life saving clubs from BMD Northcliffe to Surfers Paradise half way through the Nutri-Grain Series in search of a fresh start.

Northcliffe officials have expressed disappointment in the move which will see one of their biggest names spend the remainder of the summer competing for Surfers Paradise after meeting with club officials earlier this week.

BURLEIGH HEADS, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 17: Courtney Hancock paddles during round 2 of the Nutri-Grain Series at Burleigh Heads on November 17, 2019 in Burleigh Heads, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Hancock, 31, has competed for Northcliffe since she was a teenager after moving to the Gold Coast from Coffs Harbour.

The three time Nutri-Grain series winner is currently ranked fifth overall in the 2019/20 series after a season best result of third at the Coolangatta Gold in October.

Northcliffe president David Shields said that the club was disappointed in her decision to move on.

“While we do not agree with Courtney’s decision to leave in the twilight of her career, we do however respect her decision, a decision she has been lamenting for some period of time,” he said.

“While we are disappointed in her departure we do need to accept her reasoning and move on.

“Courtney has been looking for that extra spark to get her through the last couple of years of her career and she believes she will find that within a new surf sports environment and head coach at her new club.

“Obviously we do not believe her decision to leave to be the right decision as we stand firmly behind our surf sports coaching program and our Head Women’s Coach in Naomi Flood.

“We wish Courtney all the very best for the remainder of the season and our door will remain open for her.”

Round two of the Nutri-Grain ironman/woman series. Held at Burleigh Heads. Courtney Hancock. Pic Mike Batterham

Hancock will now join forces with Surfers Paradise coach Zayne Hamill as she seeks to remain in Nutri-Grain series contention with two rounds to go.

Hancock first arrived on the Gold Coast as a teenager with her sister Bonnie and developed from a strong swimmer into a well rounded ironwoman who has gone on to win three Coolangatta Gold titles.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

Speculation begun on social media this morning when surf sports podcast ‘Around the Cans’ indicated on Instagram that a series ironwoman was set to switch clubs mid-season.

Hancock is yet to return calls to the Bulletin.