SLSA boss stands up for Iron X concept

SURF Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir has labelled Iron X a resounding success following initial feedback as the organisation prepares to review the exhibition event and plan for the future.

The controversial event – which saw stand-up paddleboarding and CrossFit exercises combined with traditional surf lifesaving disciplines – was held at Mooloolaba beach on Monday amid fierce criticism from the sporting community, many of whom opted not to compete in the event.

Weir said that early signs pointed towards Iron X being a big success, though Surf Life Saving Australia would take the time to review the concept before deciding on its place in the surf sports calendar.

“People turned out to watch that event in a way I haven’t seen in a long time (in surf lifesaving),” he said.

“Talking to our event sponsors whether it’s Nutri-Grain, the Sunshine Coast council or our other partners, they were receiving positive feedback, which they were passing on to us.

“Not everyone agrees with the strategy we’ve put in place but a big part of this is engaging with a new audience.

“I’ve already had some athletes come up to me begging me to put it on again next year.

“It’s early days and there’s obviously been a lot of opinions expressed and it’s brought out a lot of emotions in people.”

Despite continued speculation, Weir also put to bed fears that the Iron X racing format would replace traditional iron racing at the state and Aussie titles as well as the Nutri-Grain series.

Weir also refuted allegations that certain athletes were paid to race in Iron X and that the cost of the event outweighed the amount spent on the entire, five-round NutriGrain series.

“We didn’t pay anyone to compete in Iron X,” he said.

“The prizemoney was the incentive to get people to try something new.

“Iron X was a fraction of the cost of actual series.”