Dakota Luke
19
YEARS OLD
QLD
BURLEIGH HEADS MOWBRAY PARK
24th
2024/2025 SERIES
ski
STRENGTH
Bio
Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, Dakota Luke’s childhood dream was making the Shaw and Partners Iron Series. During that time, fellow Shaw and Partners Female Iron Athlete Jasmine Rayward was in her ear about relocating to the Gold Coast, and joining her at Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park SLSC so they could compete in Double Ski races. Luke eventually made the move once she finished High School, and at the 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, herself and Rayward won gold in the U19 Female Double Ski. Outside of Iron racing, Luke is pursuing a career in Paramedicine, and in the past has raced IRBs for her Nipper club, Kawana Beach SLSC.
Dakota, how old were you when you started surf lifesaving and why?
I was 6 years old when I stated Nippers in U7 at Kawana Waters SLSC. I started nippers as my parents always wanted me and my sisters to be safe in the ocean.
Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?
Brielle Cooper. She was the inspiration winning the Iron Series at only 18 and having her sign my hat was a dream come true then moving to her club and now being friends with her is truly inspiring for my younger self.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Do what scares you. If you would have told me I moved a day after Schoolies to Burleigh, by myself at the age of 18, and to be training at the club for 9 months and to make the Shaw and Partners Iron Series, I would have laughed in your face.
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Athletes?
Swim! I hated swimming but swimming 4/5 times a week made my Irons much better.
Do you have any race day superstitions?
Sushi always on race day.
Dakota, what has been a high and low in your IronWoman journey?
High: Making the Shaw and Partners Iron Series or last Aussies racing under the Burleigh cap with all the girls.
Low: Not making the Board final last Aussies or not having podium finish in the U19 Iron due to a run up the beach between 2nd 3rd and 4th.. and I lost lol
What do you think about during a race?
Just to do my absolute best.
Do you have a secret talent?
I can sleep anytime, anywhere.