2025 New Zealand Surf Boat Trial

COMPETITION OVERVIEW:

The New Zealand Surf Boat Trial is for Under 23 and Open Male & Female crews who wish to be considered for selection to represent New Zealand at the Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Challenge to be held at Wanda, New South Wales from the 12-15 February, 2026. 

ENTRY INFORMATION:

Event Entry Circular - pdf

Entries must be made using Waves before close of entries. Your club has access to this system and will process your entries.

Entries Open: Monday 25 August

Entries Close: Wednesday 26 November, 11:00am

Entry Fee: NIL

Eligibility of Competitors: Please see Section 2.2 of the SLSNZ Competition Manual for a comprehensive breakdown of eligibility criteria. You must enter the entire team for all team events otherwise your entry will not be accepted. 

EVENT CONTACTS:

If you have any queries or concerns regarding the event management and delivery, please contact:

Luke Smith

National Events Manager l Surf Life Saving New Zealand

luke.smith@surflifesaving.org.nz

If you have any queries or concerns regarding the Trial process, please contact:

Tanya Hamilton

High Performance Manager l Surf Life Saving New Zealand

Tanya.Hamilton@surflifesaving.org.nz

SELECTION INFORMATION:

Selections will be made in accordance with the SLSNZ Surf Boat Selection Policy. SLSNZ High Performance Manager & Selectors will hold an online information session for all crews entered into the Trial on Tuesday 11 November, 7.00pm – MEETING LINK.

Crews entering the Trial need to ensure ALL crew members:

• Meet the eligibility criteria for both the Trial and the TTSBS, including a certificate of proof showing completion of anti-doping education. Athletes & Sweeps should complete anti-doping Level 1 or Level 2 PRIOR to the NZ Trial. The competitio
• Are able to travel and compete at the TTSBS from Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 February 2026 in Sydney (The TTSBS races are run within the ASRL Open).
• Agree to pay an athlete levy to cover costs of the campaign.

The successful crews will be announced as soon as possible following the 2025 New Zealand Surf Boat Trial, after which all selected crews will meet with the NZ Team Management.

Surf Boat selectors: Michelle Newton, Mike Kindred & Mark McCarthny