Australia’s toughest surf sports challenge returns this summer, with the Shaw and Partners Iron Series set to deliver another season of world-class racing, across some of the country’s most iconic beaches.
The pinnacle of professional surf sports competition, the Shaw and Partners Iron Series brings together Australia’s best athletes to compete in the ultimate test of endurance, speed and skill, as they battle for the sport’s most coveted title.
Announced today, the nation’s top athletes are set to go head-to-head across four rounds, beginning with the legendary Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold 25.6 in October before hitting the sand in Thirroul (November 14-15), Newcastle (January 9-10) and Surfers Paradise (February 6-7).
The Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold 25.6 will once again serve as the opening round of the Series, with valuable championship points on the line in Australia’s premier endurance event.
Each of the Series venues present a unique test, rewarding athletes who can adapt – and conquer – a range of conditions across the summer, demanding versatility, resilience and tactical skill.
Shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested Series to date, this summer will see reigning women’s champion Tiarnee Massie return in pursuit of back-to-back titles, while the retirement of Ali Day – widely regarded as the sport’s greatest ever Ironman – opens the door for a new men’s champion this summer.
Surf Life Saving Australia, CEO – Adam Weir said:
“The Shaw and Partners Iron Series continues to set the benchmark for surf sport, not just here in Australia but around the world. Year after year, the Series brings together the nation’s top athletes, pushing them to their limits and challenging them to compete across some of Australia’s toughest beaches.
“We’re proud to bring the upcoming Series to Thirroul, Newcastle and Surfers Paradise this summer, and we look forward to once again delivering a world-class competition for the exceptional athletes who make this Series so compelling.
“We extend our thanks to Shaw and Partners for their valued support of the Series and extend our thanks also to our destination partners in Destination Wollongong, City of Newcastle and Experience Gold Coast.”
Shaw and Partners, CEO – Earl Evans said:
“The Shaw and Partners Iron Series is the pinnacle of professional surf lifesaving in Australia, bringing together the country’s best athletes to compete at the highest level.
“After more than four decades, the professional series is firmly embedded in the Australian sporting landscape. We’re proud to support its continued evolution and the elite athletes who make it such an iconic competition.”
Destination Wollongong, General Manager – Jeremy Wilshire said:
“We are excited to have the Shaw and Partners Iron Series return to Wollongong, and Thirroul provides a fantastic backdrop for elite surf sports and for a broadcast showcasing our fantastic coastline.
“Events like this attract visitors, support local businesses and give the region valuable exposure. They also give visitors the chance to explore the hidden gems around our northern suburbs, enjoy local dining and take in an area with a thriving arts scene.
“We look forward to kicking off summer watching the country’s best Iron athletes go head-to-head and sharing everything that makes our region worth the trip.
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz said being chosen to host the Iron Series is proof Newcastle is becoming one of Australia’s leading sporting tourism locations.
“City of Newcastle is proud to support such an iconic part of the Australian summer. Newcastle Beach provides an ideal amphitheatre for this event, helping thousands of locals and visitors take in the action in the surf and on the sand, while giving aspiring surf athletes from our region the chance to watch the best in the business in person.
“Bringing events such as the Iron Series back to Newcastle provides us with an opportunity to showcase our broader attractions to competitors and visitors, while gaining national and international media coverage that allows us to reach audiences far beyond the Hunter.”
Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate added:
“Our city is the spiritual home of life saving and a breeding ground for multiple world champions. Securing premier ocean festivals like the Shaw and Partners Iron Series adds so much depth to our annual major events calendar. We’ve scored the double with race trials next month and the Super Sprint and Grand Eliminator contests next February.
“Every competitor will need to bring their A-game to match it with our local superstars. What a series to secure for the Gold Coast.’’
The road to the 2026/27 Shaw and Partners Iron Series begins at Tugun Beach on September 19-20 with the Shaw and Partners Iron Series Trial, presented by Race One Surf Craft, where athletes from across the country will do battle to earn their position on the start line in October.
This year, more trialists will have the opportunity to break into the field, with 21 ironmen and 21 ironwomen set to join the twelve male and twelve female pre-qualified competitors – as well as two Next Gen Series winners – increasing the overall field to 68 athletes, up from 56 last summer.
More athletes will mean more competition, and an increased field size will not only make each race more testing but mean that valuable Series points are at a premium each round.
In an additional fresh change this year, the top 24 athletes following the Coolangatta Gold 25.6 will automatically qualify for Round 2 in Thirroul, while the ten bottom placed athletes will be forced to battle through a newly introduced Repechage Round on the Friday prior to the weekend, with four places in the field – and an opportunity to keep their Series dream alive – up for grabs.
2026/27 Shaw and Partners Iron Series
Shaw and Partners Iron Series Trial, presented by Race One Surf Craft
Tugun Beach, 19-20 September
Round 1: Coolangatta, QLD
Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold 25.6
October 17, 2026
Rounds 2 & 3: Thirroul, NSW
Enduro: November 14, 2026
Super Sprint: November 15, 2026
Round 4 & 5: Newcastle, NSW
The Specialist: January 9, 2027
Eliminator: January 10, 2027
Round 6 & 7: Surfers Paradise, QLD
Super Sprint: February 6, 2027
Grand Eliminator: February 7, 2027