Surf lifesaving 2018/19: 10 big moments

With the surf lifesaving season now over, In The Surf looks back at 10 huge moments.

ANOTHER surf lifesaving season has come and gone, with the Australian Championships officially wrapping up on Sunday afternoon. We look back at some of the key moments from the season that was.

SURF, SURF, AND MORE SURF

Locals were treated to a smorgasbord of surf sport action this season, with some of lifesaving’s biggest events returning to the Gold Coast. In addition to Aussies, the Queensland Board Riding, Surf Rescue, Pool Rescue, Youth and Open Championships were all held on the coast, providing something for everyone.

Northcliffe surf lifesaving rescue team on the Gold Coast.

ALI’S DAY OUT AT COOLY GOLD

Ali Day officially moved past Caine Eckstein on the list of all-time Coolangatta Gold winners, taking out an unprecedented sixth title at the gruelling event last October. It kicked off a stunning run of form for Day who followed it up with a maiden World Ironman crown, a second Nutri-Grain Series title, and a win at the inaugural Shannon Eckstein Classic.

Ali Day kisses his remembrance wristband and looks skyward as he remembers Dean Mercer and wins Coolangatta Gold.. Picture Glenn Hampson

TAKING ON THE WORLD

The World Championships returned to Australia late last year, and it was great to see so many Gold Coasters in the thick of the action. From Ali Day and Karlee Nurthen in the irons, through to Surfers Paradise winning the open male Taplin, and everything in between. The countdown is already on to 2024 when the championships head to the Gold Coast.

Karlee Nurthen from the Currumbin Surf Club wins gold at the the Ocean women's event at Glenelg in the Lifesaving World Championships. Picture: Supplied

LIFESAVERS LINE UP AT SURF RESCUE CHAMPS

The state’s top lifesavers put their patrol skills to the test at the 2019 Queensland Surf Rescue Championships on the Gold Coast in February. It was a golden weekend for Northcliffe’s Moore family, with twins Georgia and Jack taking out the under-19 Champion Lifesaver events and dad Andrew winning the 40+ years division.

(From left) Jack Moore, father Andrew Moore, and daughter Georgia Moore. Picture: Supplied.

CURRUMBIN GO BACK-TO-BACK

Currumbin juniors flexed their muscles at this year’s Queensland Youth Championships at Burleigh. The club took an early lead on day one and never looked back, eventually running out winners by an impressive 121 points. It was a strong, all-round performance from the club and secured back-to-back titles at the sport’s pinnacle youth event.

Currumbin Vikings' Queensland Youth Surf Lifesaving Championship winning team. Picture: HARVPIX

TRIPLE TREAT FOR MILLER

It might be time for Northcliffe’s Georgia Miller to invest in a bigger trophy cabinet. The 23-year-old delivered a season for the ages, capped off with a maiden Australian ironwoman title at Broadbeach last weekend. The win completed a rare ‘triple crown’ for Miller, who also took out her first Coolangatta Gold and Nutri-Grain Series across the season.

Ironwoman Georgia Miller completed a perfect season by winning at the Australian Surf Lifesaving titles at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. Photo credit: Harvpix

BACK TO THE FUTURE FOR BURLEIGH

With a Taplin line-up featuring the likes of Zane Holmes, Wes Berg and Phil Clayton, you could be forgiven for thinking you had accidentally travelled back in time. The veterans teamed up with Kody Innis, Cooper Miskell and James Walker to secure a famous bronze in the final event of this year’s Australian Championships.

Northcliffe Taplin relay team of Wes Berg, Phil Clayton and Zane Holmes at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast. Picture: HARVPIX

NORTHCLIFFE MARCHES ON

Incredibly, John Howard was still Prime Minister the last time Northcliffe tasted defeat at an Australian Championships. The powerhouse club took out the national point score for a remarkable 16th straight year, adding to the Queensland and World Championship titles they secured earlier in the season.

Laura Taylor of Northcliffe SLSC. Picture: HarvPix

BIG FUTURE AHEAD

The future looks bright for Gold Coast clubbies following a number of strong performances in the younger age groups at this year’s Australian Championships. Jade Slee (Mermaid Beach) and Mitch Coombes (Northcliffe) took out the under-19 iron finals, while Currumbin’s Sam Frost won the under-17 ironman. Currumbin duo Hugh Munro and Charlotte Cross also claimed gold in the under-15 irons.

Jade Slee took out the Under 19 ironwoman race at the Aussies and she couldn't be happier. Picture: Harvpix

GOODBYE TO THE GOAT

What can you say about Shannon Eckstein that hasn’t already been said? It wasn’t the fairy-tale ending the champion was hoping for, but a silver medal in the Australian ironman is still something most athletes can only dream of. A win in the Taplin relay shortly after was a fitting way to say goodbye to one of the greatest athletes our sport has ever seen.

Shannon Eckstein. Picture: Harvpix