SURF Lifesaving Australia's summer of surf sports will kick into a new gear on December 1 at Bulli, with the first round of the Super Surf Teams League - which will see Mollymook's Sam Zustovich and Payton Williams line-up for the NSW Country Dolphins.
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The Super Surf Teams League is a surf carnival-style competition that will feature three rounds over summer from December to January in conjunction with the ironperson series, featuring Nowra-Culburra product Kirsty Higgison.
Related content: Change of scenery sparks Kirsty Higgison's strong start to series
Thirteen teams from across Australia will compete in the inaugural 2019 season as a curtain-raiser for the Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series for rounds three to five.
The event will feature heats through to finals in the traditional ski, swim, board, sprints and flags events, as well as the ocean m relay (fixed order of run, swim, board and ski).
The Super Surf Teams comprise of four male and four female athletes, with teams based on geographic locations either by state or local regions.
All events where possible and, conditions permitting, shall be conducted as finals - except beach sprint and flags which will be conducted with heats and finals.
Each team will field only one competitor or team per event.
SLSA national sport manager Wayne Druery said the Super Surf Teams League is an opportunity for specialist athletes to flex their skills in a competitive arena and provides a pathway for elite competition.
Related content: Zustovich's golden debut in Aussie colours at South Africa
Surf Lifesaving NSW director of surf sports Don van Keimpema says it's great there are more events for the athletes who strive to be the best in the sport.
"Any opportunity we can provide to foster our talented young athletes is worth it," an Keimpema said.
"In NSW we're working hard to promote and support all our competitors, so to have another avenue to help drive their hunger and success is excellent.
"We also see this event as an added opportunity to encourage and engage grassroots and competitors in regional areas to be part of surf sports competition."
