The 2019 Sharkskin NSW IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) Premiership Series kicks off at Stockton Beach this weekend.

It’s one of the fastest and most exciting surf sport events to watch as teams take to the water to demonstrate their speed and accuracy in individual and mass patient rescues.

It was in 1976 when the first set competition was established. Since then the event has grown right across the country not only as a sport but also inherently improving rescue skills of surf lifesavers.

Avalon Beach is the home of the IRB in Australia and one of three clubs who haven’t missed a series since it started along with Caves Beach SLSC and Kiama Downs SLSC.

Racing veteran Terry Barber is the IRB competition manager from Avalon Beach SLSC and has been competing for 27 years. He will return to Stockton on the weekend with his team.

“I continue racing because the thrill of competition is incredible,” said Barber. “Like everything in Surf Life Saving there is so much camaraderie in each team and it’s such a great opportunity to get away and compete, meet new people and catch up with old friends.”

The Hunter region has had a long history of hosting IRB events. “Hunter clubs always bring a number of teams to the State Premiership and Titles. The open beaches of the area really suit IRB racing. Visiting clubs always find the host clubs to be welcoming and very well organised, making the events easy to compete in and a good reason to return each year.”

There are four events with 118 races over the day and a half of competition running from heats through to finals. The divisions range from Rookie division (first year driving / over 18 years old), Under 23 Male and Female, Open Male and Female and Over 45s.

Races in the 2019 Sharkskin NSW IRB Premiership Series include;

IRB Rescue

IRB Mass Rescue

IRB Teams Rescue

IRB Rescue Tube

IRB Relay

117 females and 211 males representing 23 clubs will attend Stockton Beach to compete this weekend.

At the end of the four event rounds the club with the top points will be awarded as NSW Premiers.

Competing Clubs

Avalon Beach SLSC	Nobbys SLSC
Bondi Surf Bathers	Newport SLSC
Bungan Beach SLSC	Ocean Beach SLSC
Cooks Hill SLSC	Queenscliff SLSC
Coogee SLSC	South Maroubra SLSC
Fortser SLSC	Stockton SLSC
Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC	Terrigal SLSC
Kiama Downs SLSC	Thirroul SLSC
Maroubra SLSC	Umina Beach SLSC
North Avoca SLSC	Woonona SLSC
North Cronulla SLSC	Caves Beach SLSC
Newcastle SLSC