A record 123 crews from across New Zealand and Australia will battle it out at Waipu Cove during the BP New Zealand IRB Championships from March 28 to 30.

The event, renowned as one of the most exhilarating on the surf lifesaving sports calendar, will see 370 athletes from 30 clubs compete in high-speed, high-skill races that test their technical abilities, fitness, and teamwork.

Events include single-person rescue, mass rescue, tube rescue, and assembly rescue, in which competitors must attach an outboard motor to the IRB before executing a mock rescue.

The championships also feature an international component, with Australian club Kirra returning to challenge New Zealand’s top IRB racers.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) national sport manager Lewis McClintock said female participation had grown by 40% from 2021 to 2025.

“Founders of the Wāhine on Water initiative participated in the bp Leaders for Life programme, where they recognised the low number of female IRB drivers and took action to address the gap.

“Since its launch, we’ve seen steady growth in female participation — not only at events like this but also in real-world surf rescues performed across the country,” McClintock said.

The reintroduction of the Masters division in 2024 had also contributed to the event’s expansion, allowing experienced competitors to return while mentoring younger racers.

Several clubs are also returning to Nationals after years away, highlighting the continued development of IRB racing in New Zealand.

Defending champions Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service, fresh from their victories at the BP North Island Championships and the 2024 World Championships, will aim to extend their winning streak.

Meanwhile, St Kilda wants to build on their recent BP South Island Championships triumph.

BP head of country NZ Haley Mahoney said the championships showcased top-level racing and highlighted the vital role IRBs play in surf rescues.

“We’re proud to showcase one of Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s most versatile and critical pieces of rescue equipment. While this is a thrilling competition, it’s also important to know that the premise of IRB racing is that a quick response can help to save lives.”