Taplin relay rules
In juniors and seniors a Taplin team has four: a swimmer, a board paddler, a ski paddler and a runner, with the run always last and the water legs in the balloted order (§4.6.7, §4.6.1). Masters teams have three and no runner. Nipper teams have three racing a fixed order: a 400 m beach run, a surf swim, then a bodyboard (U9–U10) or board (U11–U14) leg (§4.6.8).
Juniors and seniors
- Four competitors: one swimmer, one board paddler, one ski paddler and one runner (§4.6.7).
- The water legs go in the order balloted for the day; the run is always last (§4.6.1). If the ski leg comes first it starts in the water.
- Each changeover is a tag; the runner waits no deeper than knee depth and is tagged after the last buoy has been rounded (§4.6.7).
At the SA championships the junior Taplin is a combined U15–U19 event (§11.4.1).
Masters
Three competitors — swim, board and ski — with no runner (§4.6.7), raced in total-age groups of 110–129, 130–149, 150–169 and 170+ years (§3.8.2b).
Nippers
- U9 & U10 combined: 400 m run, swim, bodyboard (§4.6.8).
- U11 & U12 combined: 400 m run, swim, board.
- U13 & U14 combined: 400 m run, swim, board.
The order is fixed. The buoys are 60 m out for U9–U12 and 80 m for U13–U14 (Section 4, Appendix C).
Common disqualifications
Starting a leg from the wrong allotted position disqualifies the team (§4.6.7). Craft may not pass through the swim buoys (§4.6.1), and handlers removing craft must not impede others.
Common questions
How many people are in a Taplin team?
Four for juniors and seniors (swim, board, ski, run), three for masters (no runner) and three for nippers (run, swim, board or bodyboard) (LSA Competition Manual §4.6.7–4.6.8).
What order are the Taplin legs?
For juniors, seniors and masters the swim, board and ski order is balloted and the run is always last. Nipper Taplins are fixed: run, swim, then board or bodyboard (§4.6.1).
How far is the nipper Taplin run?
400 m along the beach (§4.6.8).
How are masters Taplin age groups decided?
By the total age of the three team members: 110–129, 130–149, 150–169 or 170+ (§3.8.2b).
Sources
Updated 29 September 2026. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@flagline.co.za.