Kirra Crowned State Champions as Another Unforgettable IRB Season Comes to a Close
After a season of fierce competition, thousands of kilometres travelled and countless hours spent training before sunrise, the curtain has closed on another unforgettable Sharkskin IRB season, culminating at the 2026 Sharkskin IRB State Championships.
The 2026 Sharkskin IRB State Championships delivered everything we’ve come to expect from the sport. Close finishes, tricky surf, incredible teamwork and a weekend full of moments that showcased why IRB competition continues to be one of surf lifesaving’s most exciting disciplines.
Following a dominant premiership campaign, Kurrawa SLSC entered the championships as the team to beat after claiming the 2026 Sharkskin OceanRoar Premiership Series title. But when the dust settled at Coolangatta, it was Kirra Surf Life Saving Club who claimed the Overall State Championship, capping off a remarkable weekend and further cementing their reputation as one of Queensland’s strongest IRB clubs. Congratulations to the entire Kirra team on a well-deserved victory, as well as Kurrawa SLSC on securing second place and Broadbeach SLSC on rounding out the podium in third.
The championships also marked the perfect end to another successful season made possible through the ongoing support of Sharkskin Watersports, whose partnership continues to help grow IRB racing across Queensland.
A Championship Effort
Hosted by Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, the two-day event welcomed the state’s best IRB crews for a weekend of high-speed racing in ideal winter conditions.
From officials on the beach and water safety crews to volunteers, event staff, supporters and the athletes themselves, the championships were a true team effort. Every race, result and successful rescue simulation reflected the commitment of hundreds of people working behind the scenes to deliver another outstanding event.
Racing Runs in the Family
One of the season’s most memorable stories belonged to the Wheeler family from Kurrawa.
Scott Wheeler lined up alongside daughters Ella and Asha, making their first season competing together as a family.
For Scott, who has spent around 35 years in the sport, sharing the start line with his daughters was something special.
“It’s so cool,” he said.
“Their mum raced for quite a few years and to be able to carry on what we did is pretty special. It’s not just us, there are so many parents and kids racing together in this sport now. It’s such an amazing environment for families to come together and compete.”
The family’s weekend was made even more memorable when they teamed up to claim bronze in the Open Mixed Assembly, earning a place on the podium together.
For Ella, one moment stood above the rest.
“Doing the Mass Rescue with my dad and sister was the highlight for me,” she said. “It was a special feeling.”
The Wheelers weren’t the only ones showcasing the family spirit of IRB racing at this year’s Championships. Experienced Kirra IRB coach Andrew McAuliffe competed alongside wife Belinda and son Lachlan, combining to win gold in the 35+ Male IRB Mass Rescue. At Kawana, coach Kane Domio and daughter Maddie also celebrated success together, taking home gold in both the 45+ Mixed Mass Rescue and the 35+ Male Teams Rescue, competing as the driver and patient combination.
It’s stories like these that remind us IRB racing is about much more than medals. It’s about generations sharing the same passion and creating memories that last long after the finish line.
A Familiar Face, A New Challenge
If Travis Lovell looks familiar, there’s a good reason.
After being recognised as Surf Life Saving Queensland’s 2024 Junior Lifesaver of the Year, Travis has now thrown himself into IRB racing, quickly discovering why so many athletes fall in love with the sport.
His favourite memory?
“Probably my first time crewing. It was at Rainbow Beach. I was so nervous standing on the line, but once we got going, the adrenaline hit and I was ready to race.”
Like many young competitors, Travis already has his sights firmly set on the future.
“I definitely want to compete at Aussies, win more medals and one day become an IRB driver.”
Teamwork Makes Champions
While individual performances are celebrated, IRB racing has always been built on teamwork.
That was on full display as Point Lookout celebrated victory in the Under 23 Women’s Mass Rescue.
“I’m just so happy to be a part of this team,” one competitor said. “They’re a beautiful bunch of girls and it’s always so fun competing with them.”
Their patient echoed the sentiment.
“These girls have been absolutely brilliant this year. They really pulled it together for finals. We never doubted them for a second.”
Meanwhile, Kirra’s Open Mixed Taplin team continued its dominance, securing yet another State Championship in one of the weekend’s most competitive events.
“It’s extra special winning this race because there are more people involved and we’ve put so much work in this year,” one team member said.
“I think that’s three, maybe four, back-to-back wins now, so it’s a good position to be in ahead of Aussies.”
Looking Ahead
With another successful Sharkskin IRB season now in the books, Queensland’s crews have once again proven why they are among the best in the country. From first-time competitors finding their feet to experienced athletes continuing to raise the bar, the season showcased the passion, teamwork and dedication that make IRB racing such a unique part of surf lifesaving.