Joe Collins and Cory Taylor are an inseparable duo.
From training partners to housemates and former Bond University classmates, their partnership extends to representing New Zealand in this year's Lifesaving World Championships at Kurrawa Beach.
These Bond alumni stood out in their black and white Kiwi uniforms amidst the colourful sea of international teams on the beach, during Tuesday afternoons opening ceremony.
This year's World Championships have welcomed an influx of new countries eager to test their mettle against the sport's leading nations, Australia and New Zealand.
"It's brilliant to see people from all over the world turn up," Collins said.
"You forget how many countries actually participate in surf lifesaving.
“We do so much racing, you forget how enthusiastic others can be to compete.
“We saw the Singapore team the other day, and they were just chuffed to be around the beach and racing. It's really motivating.
“Taking on our usual rivals as well as the new faces is fantastic."
Taylor, a Master of Finance graduate, will captain the strong group of Kiwis.
"It's a humbling role," he said.
"We have a top-notch team this year. Everyone's pumped for the Pool Championships, and they've been swimming out of their skin.
“The beach team has been training exceptionally well too. I reckon we'll be right up there throughout the competition, but we'll have to wait and see how we go.
“The toughest part of being captain, being more introverted (as I am), is speaking up and leading in that way.
“It's been a good challenge. I love developing as an athlete, and I try to lead mainly by my performance in the water."
The 31-year-old has been on numerous campaigns for the Kiwis and has a wealth of experience under his belt.
His rise in the Iron Man Series inspired many Kiwis, including his housemate, Collins.
Collins, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate, moved to Australia at 17 hoping to follow in Taylor's footsteps.
Now the two are regular teammates when it comes to national duties.
Despite living on the Gold Coast, the two joined the team in hotels for their pre-racing camps.
"It's been a brilliant team experience so far," Collins said.
"We stayed in Burleigh for the first half of camp, and it was great to get everyone together in a less intense environment to start.
“We're now staying in Kurrawa, right above the racing arena. We can see the beach from our apartment.
“It's now about knuckling down, getting locked in, and building that excited energy."
As racing approaches, both say they have their sights set on specific events.
"I'm probably most looking forward to the Iron Man," Collins said.
"It's a pinnacle event, and while I know it scores the same as every other, to me it's pretty special.
“I'm always going out there trying to win that one."
Taylor also acknowledges the Iron Man as the carnival’s premier event but admits he has a soft touch for one of the lesser-known events.
"I'm looking forward to the Taplin team races with the New Zealand crew," he said.
The Taplin event sees a six-man team made up of two kneeboard paddles, two surf ski paddlers and two swimmers taking turns to race round the course in what is always one of the marque events testing club strength.
Collins and Taylor share similarities that extend beyond their sport.
Both moved into accounting positions after finishing their degrees at Bond University.
With significant time commitments for work and training, managing it all is a challenge.
"Time management is crucial, especially as an athlete," Taylor said.
"We do four or five hours of training a day, then work for six, plus travel time in between. “It's about making the little things easier, like food has to be quick and simple to cook. “Everything has to be more efficient."