Carla Papac
28
YEARS OLD
QLD
BURLEIGH HEADS MOWBRAY PARK SLSC
#6
2026/2027 SERIES
ski
STRENGTH
Bio
2022 Coolangatta Gold champion Carla Papac’s love of the ocean began as a nipper in the U6’s in Cronulla. Exercise and sport have always been a huge part of her life, combining her passions with her career as an exercise physiologist, balancing her passions of improving people’s wellbeing with exercise whilst also training three times a day to be the best Ironwoman she can be. After travelling around Australia searching for the best coaches and environment to achieve her goals, Papac made the move to Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park SLSC to train under Michael King, be surrounded by more of her support crew and enjoy the Gold Coast lifestyle.
Carla, which race format is your favourite?
Eliminator, it’s a survival of the fittest and I love racing tired.
What is the best part about being a surf sports athlete?
Getting to train at the beach every afternoon, advocating for surf safety and getting to find and express myself through my racing and on social media.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
“How quick can you move on from mistakes in a race?”
What is your top Iron Series memory?
Having my hair done in braids for the grand finale of the 2025/26 Shaw and Partners Iron Series. I looked so hardcore and I can’t wait to bring it back for this series.