The 2019 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships proudly supported by Your local club are being hosted by Swansea Belmont SLSC at Blacksmith’s Beach for the third successive year.


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Surf Life Saving NSW and Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor Kay Fraser have this week announced Swansea Belmont will also host the much-anticipated 2020 State Championships.



“It’s really exciting for us to announce that we will have the event back in 2020,” said Mayor Fraser.



“Obviously the competitors love this beach and the families love coming here. It’s really great for us as a city and surfing destination to host the event economically and to put the Lake Macquarie region on the map.”  



Everyone here is a crucial part of the community. Belonging to the surf club ensures that our community is fit and healthy and can look after each other.”



SLSNSW President David Murray echoed the Mayor’s comments adding, “Swansea Belmont SLSC has been an incredible venue for our State Championships for years now. It provides a great level playing field for all our competitors no matter their age or ability. The club runs a seamless event and we couldn’t be happier to secure our partnership for 2020 with them.”



The event brings together 129 clubs and over 6,000 competitors from Under 9s through to Masters between 23 February and 10 March.



“It’s amazing how many people come out of the woodwork from the club and community to help us run this great event,” said Swansea Belmont’s Jeff Mowbray.



“It takes a big workforce to run it successfully and really brings everyone together, because that’s what our club is all about, teamwork,” said Mowbray.



As one of the biggest events on the state’s surf sports calendar, the State Championships provides a major economic boost to the local economy.



The championships feature all disciplines with more than 400 medals on offer in the water, beach, surf boats, lifesaving competition, and in 2019, the first inclusive mini-event for Surf Life Saving members living with disability.



The inclusive event will include Beach Flags, Beach Sprint, Sprint Relay and Swim races during the Age Championships weekend.



“For these members, it will be something unique and something they can take ownership of and they’ll really enjoy,” said Inclusive Program Manager Michael Wasley. “They’re looking forward to their families and friends being able to come along and cheer them on.”



Swansea Belmont SLSC Ironman Nick Stoddart is looking to continue his success by claiming a handful of 2019 State Titles at Blacksmiths.



“It’s good here because the conditions are usually easy so it’s really fair racing,” he said. “I’ve had some good results at State Champs in board, ironman and relays. It’s a great event to benchmark where you’re at before the Australian Championships and it’s always great to compete at home in front of your friends and family at your home beach,” said Stoddart



This year SLSNSW has also included a B-Division for 20-29 year-old competitors to increase participation outside the Opens division. It’s the chance for clubs to introduce surf sports to members who may not have otherwise ever thought of competing.



The Age Championships weekend is traditionally the biggest of the event with over 3,000 Nippers and their families travelling to Swansea Belmont. The organisation’s youngest members between Under 9s to Under 14s are our future lifesavers. They love the opportunity to make new friends and test their skills in and out of the water.



The event not only brings all the clubs and their members together for a combination of top-level and fun competition, it also delivers significant economic stimulus for the host club and the Lake Macquarie region.



The NSW Championships is proudly supported by Your local club, the naming rights partner for the seventh consecutive year. Belmont 16’s CEO Scott Williams is excited to have the event grace his backyard once again.



“When it comes to supporting local surf clubs, ClubsNSW are big supporters because of the synergies we share. We both have volunteers as our backbone and are member-based organisations with a strong social contribution. Both organisations are all about “giving your best” create great communities. We are proud to be able to demonstrate our fully-fledged support year on year.”



Official naming of the event: 2019 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, Proudly Supported by Your local club.



The 2019 Championships Key Dates;




  • Lifesaving Championships (23-24 Feb)

  • Age Champions (1-3 March)

  • Masters Championships (6-7 March)

  • Open Championships (8-10 March)

  • Inclusive Mini-Event (2 March, 9am)



Tentative 2020 Championships Dates;



*Please note these dates are still tentative and subject to change




  • Lifesaving Events – Champion Lifesaver & Patrol Competition (22 – 23 February)

  • Age Championships (28, 29 Feb – 1 March)

  • Masters Championships (4 & 5 March)

  • Open Championships (6, 7, 8 March)


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