Elke Rayward
15
YEARS OLD
QLD
BURLEIGH HEADS MOWBRAY PARK
#33
2026/27 SERIES
board
STRENGTH
Bio
At just 15 years old, Elke Rayward is set to become one of the youngest athletes in the Shaw and Partners Iron Series. Making her qualification all the more impressive is that the 2026 Trial Round, presented by Race One Surf Craft, was her first experience racing on a ski and in Open Iron. Representing Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park, Rayward is a two-time national triathlon champion and a member of the Aspire Australia triathlon program, while also competing at a high level in cross country. The youngest of four siblings, she follows in the footsteps of her sisters Jaz and Bianca, who have both competed in the Shaw and Partners Iron Series. Away from sport, Rayward is a Year 10 student and spent three years studying entirely in French.
Elke, what is the best part of being a surf sports athlete?
Being in the ocean everyday and in the sun, getting smashed by waves and forming life long friendships with people with likeminded people.
What is your race day routine?
Have a ham and cheese race morning, putting zinc and sunscreen on at home, listen to “The Mountain is You” pre-race whilst Dane is blasting his rap in the car, warm up with Kingy and the Burleigh crew, talk to Rob and John pre race, always pack a frozen chocolate milk in my esky for after.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
To be aggressive even though I don’t use it much.
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Athletes?
Supporting my big sisters and making shirts for them, watching them make their first appearances and seeing how excited and emotional they were. Also being in a nipper clinic coached by all my role models and my sister was awesome.