Taplin relay
The Taplin is the team version of the ironman. Junior and senior teams have four members — a swimmer, a board paddler, a ski paddler and a runner — with the water legs in the day's balloted order and the run always last. Masters teams have three and no runner. Nipper teams have three racing a fixed order: a 400 m beach run, a swim, then a bodyboard (U9–U10) or board (U11–U14) leg.
How it works
Teams are drawn into start positions, and each leg follows the rules of its own discipline. The changeover is a tag on the beach. Results are recorded for the team, under the club's name. See Taplin relay rules.
Taplin relay in South Africa
237 taplin relay divisions on Flagline so far. Leaders, the top clubs, records and field sizes are on the stats page.
Sources
- Lifesaving South Africa — Competition Manual, 17th edition (November 2022)
- International Life Saving Federation — Competition Rule Book, 2025 edition (revised May 2026)
- Wikipedia — Surf lifesaving
Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@flagline.co.za.