The event, originally scheduled for Daytona Beach, Florida, had to make a change after scheduling conflicts. South Padre had previously hosted the United States Lifesaving Association finals in 2021. The USLA, who hosted the Surf and Rescue Competition, remembered the success of that in 2021. That played a large role in SPI becoming the new home of the competition, leading to the historic weekend.
“South Padre saved the event,” according to Tom Gill, a USLA media representative. “The hospitality, everything from 2021, we remembered, and that’s why we wanted to come back here.”
Gill credits the SPI Chamber of Commerce as well as Jim Pigg, SPI Fire Chief, for helping with the event, making sure everything ran according to plan, as well as the accommodations. “It wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
Australia dominated the competition, leading the way in all three days and finishing first overall. New Zealand finished second, with the United States squeaking past South Africa to finish third in the national competitions. For the Youth side (15-18 years old), South Africa claimed first, with the United States and Japan finishing second and third, respectively. You can see the full results here.