Fast boats and real rescue skills will be on full display when surf lifeguards from across New Zealand and Australia gather at Waikanae Beach in Gisborne for the 2026 bp New Zealand IRB Championships.
The event is the premier Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) racing competition in New Zealand, bringing together 342 competitors across 118 crews from 30 surf lifesaving clubs for several days of intense racing in one of the most exciting disciplines in surf lifesaving sport.
The championships will take place from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March, with crews navigating the dynamic surf conditions of Waikanae Beach, a location known for producing fast, technical and unpredictable racing.
The event continues to showcase strong participation across the sport, with 49 female and 69 male crews, and growing numbers in under-23 divisions highlighting the next generation of IRB athletes coming through.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) General Manager Sport Zac Franich says IRB racing remains one of the most practical and exciting forms of lifesaving sport.
“IRB racing is unique because it closely mirrors real rescue situations. Drivers and crew need to read the surf, make quick decisions and work together seamlessly to execute a rescue. It is physically demanding, but these skills are exactly what lifeguards rely on when responding to emergencies on our beaches.”
Recent regional events have set the stage for a highly competitive championship. Sumner, St Kilda and North Beach impressed at the South Island event, while Sunset Beach, Waimarama and Opunake led the way in the North Island, setting up strong rivalries heading into Gisborne.
While Sunset Beach Surf Life Saving Club return as defending champions, having claimed multiple national titles in recent years including back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025, this year’s championships could signal a changing of the guard, with new crew combinations emerging across several leading clubs.
Host club Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club will also be one to watch, following strong performances at the North Island Championships, including multiple gold medals in the open men’s division. Clubs like Fitzroy are also on the rise, growing from just one crew in 2024 to eight this year, driven by the return of experienced athletes and coaches like SLSNZ Hall of Fame members Jaron Mumby and Chris Scott which adds depth to the competition.
Crews will compete across five disciplines designed around rescue scenarios: Single Rescue, Mass Rescue, Assembly Rescue, Tube Rescue and Teams Rescue, each requiring a different combination of teamwork, surf awareness and technical boat handling.
International competition will also feature, with Australian surf clubs Kirra and Kurrawa sending crews to compete, adding a trans-Tasman edge to the racing.
The championships are proudly supported by naming rights partner bp, whose partnership with SLSNZ now spans 58 years, making it one of the longest running corporate partnerships in the country.
bp New Zealand Head of Country Haley Mahoney says IRBs are a critical tool in surf rescue operations.
“These boats are one of the most important pieces of equipment surf lifeguards use. They allow crews to reach people quickly in difficult surf conditions and in areas that can be hard to access from the shore. At bp we are proud to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand and the crews who train hard to operate these boats safely and effectively. The IRB Championships are a great way to recognise the skill and commitment behind that work.”
bp will also be onsite throughout the championships at the event hub, connecting with competitors, volunteers and spectators, and celebrating six decades of partnership.
Alongside the athletes, the event relies on a large network of volunteer officials, safety teams and organisers to ensure racing is delivered safely and professionally.
Franich says that contribution is just as important as the racing. “These championships would not happen without the dedication of volunteers and officials who support the sport. Their work ensures competitors can perform at their best in a safe and well-run environment.”
Fast Facts: 2026 bp New Zealand IRB Championships
Location: Waikanae Beach, Gisborne
Dates: Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March
IRB racing simulates real rescue scenarios and helps surf lifeguards develop teamwork, surf awareness and technical boat handling skills used in frontline rescues.
Competitors:
118 crews
49 female crews / 69 male crews
30 surf lifesaving clubs (28 New Zealand and 2 Australian)
342 competitors
Race disciplines:
Single Rescue
Mass Rescue
Assembly Rescue
Tube Rescue
Teams Rescue (relay)
Defending champions: Sunset Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Learn more: https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/calendar/2026/march/2026-bp-new-zealand-irb-championships
