'Hanging on for dear life': Matt strikes Gold again

Matt Bevilacqua has pipped Sean Rielly in a sprint finish to win a second Coolangatta Gold, while Electra Outram defended her crown to begin Australia's surf sport season.

Seven years after his first title, hot favourite Bevilacqua was made to work for another when Rielly rallied in a ding-dong battle over two hours and multiple disciplines in the surf and on the sand on Saturday.

The shortened course - about half the length of the traditional event - introduced last year proved a spectacle in what also served as the Iron Series opener.

It was also a taste of what could be to come in 2032, with lifesaving among the sports bidding to be part of Brisbane's Olympics.

"It was just a crazy battle out there, the atmosphere was just insane, the crowd was deafening every time," the 34-year-old Bevilacqua said after he was greeted by his son at the finish line.

"I love being part of races where there is surf. It's why we do it, and it's why we're out there saving lives in hectic surf."

His win came after runner-up finishes in the past four years behind Ali Day, who retired after winning for the 11th time last year.

"There's always a little bit of pressure when you are the defending title-holder," the 25-year-old said.

"However I was sick last week, so I kind of went back to ground zero and went out there to race without any expectations on myself, and I think that really helped me push through at the end.''

The Iron Series next moves to Thirroul in NSW for rounds two and three next month.