The Relay Experience
Three days on the river. A community built on connection. The engine that powers our impact.
Ski for Life’s annual relay is a three-day water skiing journey across regional South Australia, from Murray Bridge to Renmark, held each year over the March long weekend.
More than an event, the relay is a shared experience built on mateship, storytelling, and community connection. Together, participants help raise awareness and funds that support Ski for Life grants and community-led projects focused on rural mental health and suicide prevention.
At a glance
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When: March long weekend (annually)
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Where: Murray Bridge to Renmark
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What: A three-day water skiing relay
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Why: Builds connection, raises awareness, and helps fund grants and projects
What it feels like
The relay is equal parts tradition and community. Early mornings on the river. Camps and checkpoints. Towns are showing up. Conversations that happen naturally when people feel safe, connected, and understood.
It’s a powerful reminder that rural communities are built on showing up for each other and that checking in, talking openly, and staying connected matters.
What the relay enables
Funds raised through the relay help Ski for Life support rural and regional communities through grants, partnerships, and community-led initiatives.
Explore the impact:
How teams are selected
To keep everyone safe on the river, Ski for Life can only accommodate a limited number of boats (teams) each year. Because the relay is a highly sought-after experience, team places are allocated using the process below:
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Expressions of Interest: All interested parties are invited to express their interest in joining us in that year's event.
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Returning teams offered first option: All previous participants are offered a place in that year's relay event.
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Limited new team places released (if available): Any remaining spots not claimed by returning teams are released to new teams.
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New teams are selected by ballot: New teams that showed their Expressions of interest are entered into a ballot, drawn live on Facebook.
This process helps keep the event safe, fair, and sustainable, while protecting the spirit of the Ski for Life community.