Always one of the highlights of any major surf lifesaving carnival, the multi-discipline events have the impact of rewarding the most consistent competitors or teams taking part.
Known in many international competitions as Ironman, Ironwoman or Ironperson, the Oceanman and Oceanwoman events at LWC operate in much the same way, while the relays which bear the same name are slightly different to the iconic Taplin Relay many from Australia have come to know and love for decades.
OceanMan & OceanWoman
These events are a true test of an athlete’s all-round surf skills.
Each competitor completes a swim, board and surf ski leg, with transitions between these legs crucial to staying in touch with competitors.
In a race which can often go down to the wire with a last gasp dash to the line, skills in the surf must be complimented by speed on the sand if a spring to the line will decide the winner.
OceanMan & OceanWoman Relay
Many people would be familiar with the Taplin Relay where three or six athletes take part, with one or two competitors filling the roles of swimmer, board paddler or ski paddler.
The OceanMan and OceanWoman is slightly different in that it still has one athlete per water leg, however a dedicated fourth sand specialist is selected for the run leg, which is always the final leg of the relay.
When this event is held in the Masters events at LWC24, no run leg is required… it is up to the final athlete in the team to cross the finish line.
