A test of summer strength

DOZENS of Gold Coast clubbies will kick off their summer season today when more than 400 competitors flock to Alexandra Headland for Surf Life Saving Queensland’s 2018 Endurance Championships.

The first major surf carnival of the 2018-19 calendar will see lifesavers from across the southeast battle it out across a range of long-distance events including 10km skis, 4km board paddles and 4km beach runs.

Northcliffe, Kurrawa, Southport, Burleigh, Surfers Paradise and Mermaid Beach are all among the local clubs sending crews to contest the annual championship event.

SLSQ sports co-ordinator Ryan Bennett (pictured) said the Endurance Championships were the perfect chance for athletes to build momentum ahead of a big season of surf lifesaving.

“It’s the first major event of the surf sports season, so there’s always going to be a fair bit of rivalry among our athletes to see who can get those early bragging rights,” he said.

“It’s been a long winter and a long time between races for a lot of competitors, so I’m sure they’ll be keen to get out there and kick off the season in style.

“The Endurance Championships obviously challenge our competitors over a longer format of racing, and it’s going to be really interesting to see how everyone’s travelling this time of the year,” he said.

Noosa Heads and Alexandra Headland shared the top honours at last year’s championships, with Gold Coast crews Kurrawa, Southport and Northcliffe rounding out the top five.