Surf Life Saving Queensland have announced dates for the 2020 IRB Ocean Roar Series and State Championships
The 2020/21 Surf Life Saving Queensland calendar is slowly taking shape as the Gold Coast prepares to host several major state events.
Surf Lifesaving
Don't miss out on the headlines from Surf Lifesaving. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE 2020/21 Surf Life Saving Queensland calendar is slowly taking shape as the Gold Coast prepares to host several major state events.
Following the cancellation of the 2020 Queensland State Titles, the 2021 senior and masters championships will return to Kurrawa from March 26-28, while the youth titles have been slated for North Kirra two weeks earlier.
MORE SURF LIFESAVING
CLUBBIE CONFIDENTIAL: One stop shop for surf lifesaving rumour and gossip
‘I always wanted to stick with him:’ Fletcher’s loyalty to King resolute
How King plans to turn Burleigh into surf lifesaving powerhouse
Surf Life Saving Queensland have also announced dates for the 2020 Queensland IRB Ocean Roar Series and IRB State Championships.
Entry fees have been slashed to reflect the financial strain of COVID-19 regulations on surf clubs and 10 Gold Coast-based clubs have already expressed interest in competing in the series.
Surf Life Saving Queensland is hoping to gain approval from the state government to kickstart IRB racing in August with the Ocean Roar series.
The series will consist of three one-day events and one two-day event, with the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast set to share hosting duties.
Broadbeach has also been confirmed to host the 2020 IRB State Championships later this year.
Surf Life Saving Queensland sports manager Stuart Hogben hoped the revised calendar and format would enable money-strapped clubs the chance to compete this year.
MORE SURF LIFESAVING NEWS
SINK OR GET EATEN BY A CROCODILE WHILE YOU SWIM: HENDY
‘WE’RE BUILDING SOMETHING SPECIAL:’ TUGUN REVEAL SURF LIFESAVING MASTERPLAN
Opinion: Now is not the time for loyalty
“The biggest thing we are looking at is mitigating financial implications for SLSC members and clubs,” Hogben said. “All our clubs have been closed during COVID and the IRB teams at this time would normally be out doing some fundraising and BBQ and they haven’t been able to do that.
“We are trying to run the series a little bit leaner to save money.
“We are also looking at lowering entry fees so there is not a burden on clubs to be involved.
“One of the biggest recommendations for the competitors is to get it off the ground and do one-day carnivals, so we are not having a financial impact on anyone.
“This tactic will help get all the events done in one day. If we bring both Coasts together there will be larger competitor numbers.”
Hogben said SLSQ hoped to release a refined calendar in the coming weeks once sporting restrictions became clearer.
“For some sports, it’s easy to define playing area and spectators but for IRB it is hard but we are working with the government on a plan to get our competitors in the water,” he said. “Plenty of challenges ahead.”
Coolangatta Gold: Ironwoman champion forced to withdraw in first leg
A young gun duo have claimed their first Coolangatta Gold Short Course titles, while a defending Ironwoman champion finds herself watching on from the shore after being forced to withdraw in the first leg of the main Long Course event. All the latest from the 2024 Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold inside.
Why world titles are key to life saving’s push for 2032 Olympics
Officials are moving to hold the Lifesaving World Championships on the Gold Coast twice in eight years as part of a push for the sport to gain entry into the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Go inside the sport’s plans here.