Surf Life Saving Battle Of The Tasman 2025 Kicks Off In The Gold Coast

Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Youth and Pathway teams have completed their first day of races in the Gold Coast, taking on Australia in the 2025 Battle of the Tasman (BOT).

The two-day Tans-Tasman clash on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August pits the best emerging athletes from both countries against each other across pool rescue, ocean, and beach events.

The New Zealand coaching team stated, “Friday morning’s racing started with the Pool Rescue Competition at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Southport. The New Zealand Youth team made a strong start to the Battle of the Tasman at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, producing a huge number of personal bests and demonstrating intent and composure in their first taste of international competition.”

Coaches praised the athletes for their positive racing mindset and resilience in competing strongly, even under fatigue. The teams also showed their ability to adapt and adjust in the moment to secure key results.

“The Battle of the Tasman provides a valuable condensed experience of what a Lifesaving World Championships feels like, and the momentum gained from day one has the team excited to carry their confidence and energy into the beach events on day two”.

Pointscore update:

AUS Youth 69
NZ Youth 67

Aus Green 145
NZ White 132
NZ Grey 109
Aus Gold 107

Schedule for day two below:

Saturday 30 August – from 9am NZT

• Oceanman/Oceanwoman
• Ocean Relays
• Beach Sprints
• Beach Relays
• Surf Race
• Ski Race
• Mixed Board Relays

Saturday 30 August – from 2pm NZT

• Mixed Ski Relays
• Mixed Surf Teams
• Board Race
• Beach Flags
• Rescue Tube
• Board Rescues
• Mixed Ocean Relay

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