Safety matters as much as the sports we enjoy on the water. Starboard Korea Magazine introduces the 2026 Wave Rescue Championship, a water safety and rescue competition.
The event takes place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Wave Park in Siheung. Swimming, board racing and team missions based on rescue scenarios make this a water-safety competition with a different focus from a conventional SUP race.
Event at a glance
Registration may close early once places are filled. Applications are also subject to selection, including team composition, so submitting a form does not guarantee entry.
- Event
- 2026 Wave Rescue Championship
- Competition date
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- Venue
- Wave Park, Siheung
- Published schedule
- 10:00 opening ceremony to 15:00 awards ceremony finish
- Division and capacity
- Civilian division: 30 places, first come, first served
- Registration period
- September 15–21, 2026
- How to apply
- Google registration form linked by Wave Park
- Entry confirmation
- Applicants will be contacted individually using the details on their form
Swimming, boards and rescue missions
The morning features three events—Surf Race, Board Race and Rescue Tube Rescue—followed by one team event in the afternoon. Here is what each involves.
Morning events
Surf Race: Start on the beach, swim 60 m to the turning point and return to cross the finish line on the beach.
Board Race: Enter the water carrying a board, paddle 60 m to the turning point and return to cross the finish line on the beach.
Rescue Tube Rescue: Teams of four take on the roles of casualty and rescuers, completing a rescue, return to shore and beach carry.
Once your entry is confirmed, check team assignments, entry procedures and the equipment used in the Board Race with the organizers.
Afternoon team event
The team event follows a sequence of fin swimming, powered rescue board work and CPR. Teams transport a casualty through the waves, retrieve and transport a 25 kg mannequin using a powered rescue board, then perform CPR.
Each mission is timed, with time penalties for CPR errors.
September 29 race schedule
- 10:00~10:30
- Opening ceremony
- 10:30~11:30
- Three individual events
- 11:30~13:00
- Lunch and break
- 13:00~14:00
- One team event
- 14:00~14:30
- Results review
- 14:30~15:00
- Awards ceremony
Applying as a team or individual
Applications are based on teams of six, but individuals and groups of fewer than six may also apply. The organizers may assign individual applicants and smaller groups to teams.
Follow these steps to apply.
1. Decide who will take part and how your team will be formed. Individual applicants should check how team allocation works.
2. Complete the official Google form with your name, affiliation or team name, date of birth, contact details and other required information. There is also a notes field for relevant experience and qualifications.
3. Wait for the organizers to contact you individually to confirm whether your entry has been accepted.
Before applying, ask the organizers about entry fees, age and qualification requirements, equipment provision or rental, and spectator admission.
Water sports with safety at their heart
This competition puts team roles and cooperation in rescue situations alongside speed in the water. For paddlers who enjoy water sports, it is also a chance to reflect on the importance of safety.
Starboard Korea supports a safer water-sports culture.