FOR THE LOVE - FOR THE JOY - FOR THE AUSSIES

"AUSSIES 11" - AUSTRALIAN SURF LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS KURRAWA BEACH, GOLD COAST, APRIL 2-10

FOR THE LOVE - FOR THE JOY - FOR THE AUSSIES

Kurrawa Beach on the Gold Coast will again play host to the 2011 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships between April 2 and 10, 2011.

The Championships or "The Aussies" as they are known among surf clubs around the country bring together over 8000 of the finest surf lifesavers from around Australia and from around the world, showcasing surf lifesaving at its absolute best.

Competitors of all ages from under 15s to Opens and Masters compete in the surf and on the sand across more than 295 exhilarating Surf Life Saving events during a week of action-packed competition.

"The Aussies" is the largest sporting event of its type in the world and yet it remains uniquely Australian and is one of only a few Australian Championships open to all members.

For the first time "The Aussies" will spread over two weekends with the Masters on April 2 and 3 and the open finals over April 8, 9 and 10.

The Championships will feature Australia's champion Ironmen and Ironwomen as well as fearless surf boat rowers, swimmers, board and ski paddlers, quick-as-a-flash beach runners, along with those who will contest lifesaving and traditional events such as the Rescue and Resuscitation and the Grand Parade and March Past.

Some of Australia's greatest sportsmen and Olympians have contested "The Aussies" since the first Championships in Bondi in 1915, as they come together with their club mates to strive for the honour and the glory of being crowned the Australian champion.

Surf lifesavers are now all gearing up for their respective State Championships in the lead up to this year's Aussies as all roads lead to the Gold Coast in April.

Who:              8000 of Australia's iconic surf lifesavers

What:             "The Aussies" - 2011 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships

When:            April 2-10

Where:          Kurrawa Beach, Gold Coast

Why:             For the Love - For the Joy - For The Aussies

Website:       http://www.sls.com.au/  

MEDIA: For any photographic requirements for your local area Harvie Allison, Surf Life Saving Australia's official photographer has an extensive collection on http://www.harvpix.com/