Surf swim (surf race)
The surf swim (called the surf race under ILS rules) starts with a run into the water, then a swim around a line of buoys and back, finishing with a run up the beach between the finish flags. In South Africa the buoys are 120 m from knee-deep water for seniors, masters and most juniors, 80 m for U13–U14 and 60 m for younger nippers. Reading the waves and rips matters as much as swimming speed.
How it works
Athletes line up on the sand, race in, swim out and around the buoys, and catch waves back to shore. The finish line is on the sand, so the last few metres are a run.
Surf teams race and swim relay
The surf teams race uses the same course; a team's members score points by their finishing places, and the lowest total wins. Clubs also race a swim relay as a team event.
In South Africa
Raced at 105 competitions since 2020.
SA Champs 2025/26 · Gqeberha / Thembisa
Surf swim rules
The surf swim starts on the beach, goes out around a line of buoys and finishes with a run up to the finish flags (§4.3.5). The buoys are 60 m from knee-deep water for U9–U12, 80 m for U13–U14, and 120 m for most juniors, seniors and masters.
Course
- U9 to U12: 60 m (§4.3.5).
- U13 & U14: 80 m.
- U15, U17, U19, seniors and all masters: 120 m. (The §4.3.5 buoy table prints 170 m for U17, which looks like a misprint: every other table gives U17 the same 120 m as U15 and U19.)
Distances are measured from knee-deep water at low tide and can be adjusted for conditions (§4.2.3). The swim buoys run in a fixed colour order, 5 m apart (§4.2.2).
How it's run
Up to 32 swim in a race (§4.2.9), with a 15-minute time limit (§4.2.11). With an even field at least half of those who finish correctly go through; with an odd field, at least half less one (§4.2.10).
Start and finish
Athletes start from a line on the sand after "take your marks" and "set"; the first to move before the signal is disqualified (§4.2.14). They run in without impeding anyone, swim around the buoys and finish between the red flags, judged on the chest while upright (§4.3.5, §4.2.18).
Common disqualifications
False starts, impeding other swimmers, using aids such as hand webs (§4.2c), and failing to complete the course. A swimmer who misses a buoy may go back and round it without penalty (§4.2.17).
Common questions
How far out are the buoys in a surf swim?
60 m from knee-deep water for U9–U12, 80 m for U13–U14 and 120 m for seniors and masters (LSA Competition Manual §4.3.5).
How many swimmers are in a surf swim heat?
Up to 32 (§4.2.9).
What if a swimmer misses a buoy?
They can turn back and round it by the most direct route, without penalty (§4.2.17).
Where does the surf swim finish?
On the beach, between the red finish flags; the finish is judged on the chest with the swimmer upright (§4.3.5, §4.2.18).
Sources
- Lifesaving South Africa: Competition Manual, 17th edition (November 2022)
- International Life Saving Federation: Competition Rule Book, 2025 edition (revised May 2026)
Updated 2 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@flagline.co.za.