The International Surf Rescue Challenge (ISRC) started as the Trans-Tasman Challenge, a traditional surf lifesaving competition between Australia and New Zealand that was first commenced in 1937. In 1999 South Africa was invited to compete and the Tri Nations Challenge was born.
In 2005 the Challenge was opened up to other nations and the then event was called the International Surf Rescue Challenge – however the former competitions i.e. Trans-Tasman Challenge, Tri Nations Challenge are still held. Traditional trophies are awarded to the winning team.