On Saturday 14 February the Noosa Heads SLSC walked away from Main Beach Noosa as winners of Sunshine Coast Branch Championships, for the 2025/26 season. With a total points score of 726 points, they finished well in front of second place getters Mooloolaba on 522 points and Alexandra Headlands in 3rd place with 219 points.
Despite the absence of many junior and senior members, who travelled south to contest the Shawn and Partners Sunset 10,000, the Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic Carnivals, plus the male and female boat crews travelling to NSW, we should acknowledge those who competed and won the Sunshine Coast Branch Titles.
Again, on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 the Noosa Masters, U15s and U17’s flew the Noosa flag to bring home the Branch Title: thus, giving Noosa their first major carnival wins, on the Sunshine Coast, in many a long season.
Because of the large entries in many Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series, contestants were rated in the top 40’s. Results for Noosa were as followers. Open Men’s Single Ski, Levi Mayes 22nd, Open Men’s Swim Darcy Lewis 23rd, Open Women’s Ski, Caitlin Bouckaert 25th and Open Women’s Swim Finella Gibbs-Beal 25th.
Some results from amongst many others. Run -Swim -Run. This was won by Finella Gibbs -Beal with Darcy Lewis 4th and Trellises Chote taking 6th. Double Ski Female Caitlin Bouckaert and Jessica Porter 5th, and Male Will O’Conner and Lachie Caple`14th.
Meanwhile, Friday 13th in NSW the boat section, both male and female again showed great potential. In the Surf Rowers League Open Championships, U19 Male Surf Boat, 5th Round1st, 4th round 2 nd, 3rd Round 3rd. U 23 Female Surf Boat 1st Round 1, 3rd Round 2=5th Overall.
In the 240 Yrs minimum Mixed Surf Boat 3rd in Round1, 1st and 2nd 4th Round, 3rd=3rd Overall. The 6 Person Mixed Taplin Relay, (male and female) is an event considered by many to be blue-ribbon. The reason being that it covers all virtues of lifesaving: board, skiing, (short runs) and swimming. To have a team member such as Finella Gibbs -Beal renowned as an Iron Woman surf swimmer and a ski paddler can only be a major addition to both team and club.
The structure is as the title tells us, a 6-person event: 2 board paddlers, 2 ski paddlers and 2 swimmers: and consistent good results across all legs tells us that a club has good depth amongst all branchers of competition. Competing in this event, against some of the best clubbies that Australia has to offer, Noosa with a team of athletes, some of whom were relatively new to this field, finished a respectable 13th place: this from within a large field of contestants.
Add to this we table a final report from one of Noosa’s most experienced and successful coaches, Sharlene Kelly. ‘’It was a huge weekend of lifesaving on the Sunshine Coast, with athletes from across the region converging on Noosa’s Main Beach, for the Branch Titles.”
The Noosa club juniors and masters’ competitors led the charge, producing a string of strong finishers across the beach and water events. Add to this next week, we have Sharlene’s report from the boat section: a report that could not be better.
Now we have come up with information that some clubbies would consider comes from the other side of the coin.
On Sunday 1 March 2026 from 7am through to 10 am we are hoping that a large contingent of people will gather on Noosa’s Main Beach to take part in Clean Up Australia Day 2026: thus, helping keep our beautiful Noosa Beach, clean safe and inviting for everyone.
Why get involved? Our beach is more than just sand and surf-it’s home to marine life, a place for families and the heart of our communities. By joining us for this Clean Up, you will be helping remove litter, protect wildlife and make a tangible difference for the environment.
How can you help? You will do so by bringing friends and family: all ages and community members’ welcome. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection. Gloves will be provided as well as rubbish bags and collection points. Snap a photo and share your efforts on social media to inspire others.
As a bonus, all those who participate will be treated to a free sausage sizzle after the clean-up: courtesy of Noosa Heads SLSC. Let’s get together as a community and show some love for our beach.
Preparation for State Titles.
With the Queensland State Surf Life Saving titles knocking on our door the Noosa club is poised for a strong showing. The titles which will be held over the next two weekends will be held at Maroochydore.
According to Shaun Baker, Director of Surf Sport, Under the guidance of Head Coaches Mike Janes, Todd Mc Swann and Sharlene Kelly, Noosa Surf Sports Program has experienced exceptional growth this season.
Through all age groups from the U8, through to the open competitors, participation and performance have strengthened thanks to a renewed focus on grassroots development and building a positive supportive team culture. Importantly Noosa will also be sending an Adaptive Team to compete this Sunday, highlighting the club’s commitment to inclusivity, and creating opportunities for all athletes. The team’s participation is a proud moment for the club and reflects the expanding reach and spirit of its community.
Club leaders emphasize that the program’s success is the result of a whole-of-the-club effort. “It goes without saying that a successful surf sports program is not just about great coaching.” A spokesperson said, “It’s the combined work of our administration team, officials, team managers, volunteers, families and everyone who contributes to the culture of the club. That strong sense of camaraderie is what drives long-term success”
With a solid season behind them, growing depth in their ranks, and representation across traditional and adaptive divisions, Noosa is well positioned for a solid and very exciting future.
