The stage is set, the venues are primed, and Australia’s finest athletes are preparing to battle for supremacy in the revamped 2025/26 Shaw and Partners Iron Series.
This season, the Series continues with three thrilling weekends:
- Newcastle (NSW): Super Sprint & Eliminator, 13–14 December 2025
- Maroubra (NSW): Specialist & Eliminator, 10–11 January 2026
- Miami (Gold Coast): Super Sprint & Grand Eliminator, 31 January – 1 February 2026
The road to glory begins at Tugun (Gold Coast), where a high-stakes Trial, presented by Race One, will take place on 20-21 September 2025. From there 15 ironmen and 15 ironwomen will join last season’s qualified athletes to create a full field of 56 of the country’s top athletes.
The 2025/26 Shaw and Partners Iron Series will be one of the toughest on record, with all athletes set to line up as part of the Coolangatta Gold, in a bid to earn vital Series points.
Adam Weir, CEO of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), said action this summer is set to go to a new level.
“We are excited to elevate the 2025/26 Shaw and Partners Iron Series to this amazing new format,” said Weir.
“With a trial followed by competitive weekends in Newcastle, Maroubra, and Miami, the Series promises a rare blend of athleticism, strategy and crowd-pleasing action. The addition of Coolangatta Gold as a vital opportunity to secure Series points further enhances the calibre and continuity of the competition.”
Earl Evans, CEO, Shaw and Partners Financial Services, said the 2025-2026 season is set to be one of the most action packed summer of surf sports.
“The Shaw and Partners Iron Series continues to showcase the very best of Australian surf sport and some of the most iconic beaches in the world,” said Evans.
“We’re proud to partner with Surf Life Saving Australia to bring this thrilling series to communities around the country, inspiring the next generation of ironmen and ironwomen, while celebrating the skill, endurance and courage of our athletes.
“Our commitment to surf sports extends well beyond this series, from grassroots through to elite competition, Shaw and Partners is dedicated to supporting our surf sports stars and helping ensure this uniquely Australian sport continues to thrive for generations to come,” he said.
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, said they are excited to bring the event back to the region in what is sure to be a fantastic December weekend of competition.
“City of Newcastle is proud to support the return of the Iron Series to our iconic Newcastle Beach,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“The series returned to Newcastle in January for the first time in a decade and healthy crowds turned out to see Australia’s best ironmen and ironwomen.
They also provided vocal support for Hunter-bred locals Kye Taylor and Bella Williams, as well as City of Newcastle lifeguard and 2024 Australian Ironman champion, Dan Collins.
“Hosting another round of the Iron Series will further enhance our reputation as an events city, provide an opportunity to showcase our broader attractions to competitors and visitors, and deliver a significant economic boost to local businesses.”
Gold Coast City Council Acting Mayor Mark Hammel said: “Surf Life Saving is synonymous with the golden sands and surf of the Gold Coast, so I am thrilled to see the prestigious Shaw and Partners Iron Series back here for another two years.
“The Iron Series is steeped in tradition and for the first time ever the event will see the nation’s fittest and fastest athletes compete for crucial series points in another of our city’s iconic events, the Coolangatta Gold.
“Be prepared for a show of endurance and some epic battles in the surf come September, and then January 2026, right here on the Gold Coast.”
As the 2025/26 Shaw and Partners Iron Series gears up, anticipation is building amongst athletes, fans, and communities alike. With a balanced mix of thrilling race formats and globally renowned locations, this year’s Series is poised to deliver a summer of unforgettable surf-sport drama.