All events involve paddling a fibreglass ski from the beach, through the break and around a defined course and back to the water’s edge, crossing the finishing line.

Competitors will paddle a ski around the ski course, with the race conducted over a distance of approx. 600M from knee-deep water.

There are two main varieties of surf ski – traditional spec skis and ocean skis. Traditional spec skis are used by Surf Life Saving Clubs. They're built to a standard size and weight, and are designed to negotiate the surf zone. Ocean skis on the other hand are designed for long distance paddling, and are normally raced downwind on ocean swells.