Djarrak / Bells Beach is set to host to the 2026 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl this May, with the top Indigenous surfing talent from around Australia to gather for the 13th consecutive year on the culturally significant site.
Boasting Indigenous surfers from across the country including Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, the event sees over 80 entries across the three days.
Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said he’s thrilled to welcome the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles back to Bells Beach on Wadawurrung Country.
“Now in its thirteenth year, the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles have become a local favourite at Bells Beach/Djarrak. It will be great seeing First Nation’s competitors both young and old out on the waves across the three days of competition.
“Thanks to the Significant Sporting Events Program, the Titles will be another great event for Torquay and the Surf Coast. The program helps our government deliver national, and international significant sporting events across our state.”
The event will host divisions including Open Men and Women, Junior Men and Women (U18), Masters (O35), Over 50’s and Longboard.
“The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles are a meaningful event, as Djarrak has deep significance for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners,” said Surf Coast Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Tony Phelps.
“I encourage surfing fans to attend the titles. It’s a great opportunity to watch talented surfers and to connect on Country at an incredibly special location.
“We’re a proud supporter of the titles through our event grants program.”
2025 Over 50s Indigenous Champion, Jay McKenzie (Cronulla, NSW), is looking forward to returning to the region for the event.
“I love making the trek from Cronulla NSW down to the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles. It’s the first surf comp I put on my list every year,” Said McKenzie.
“For me, It’s all about connecting to Country, Culture & all the Mobs celebrating together our indigenous/ First Nation heritage over those 3 days. The surf comp is very competitive & win or loose it’s such a fantastic time of connection & we all leave feeling proud & connected together through a good yarn & our shared experiences.”
As an added bonus, both the Open Champions from the event will be granted a wildcard into the Australian Surf Championships held later in the year.
“Surfing Victoria is proud to once again host the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl at Djarrak. Now in its 13th year, the event has firmly established itself as one of the most anticipated events on both the Victorian and national surfing calendar,” said Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson.
“We’re excited to see some of the country’s top Indigenous surfing talent take on the Bowl at Djarrak, and we wish all competitors the very best of luck.”
The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles will be held on May 29 – 31 at Djarrak / Bells Beach on Wadawurrung Country.
A welcome to Country will be held by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners at 7.30am on May 29th to open the event. All welcome.
Live scores and schedule can be found via www.australianindigenoussurfingtitles.com
The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles is presented by Rip Curl and Headsox and supported by the Victorian Government, Surf Coast Events, VicHealth, Surfing Australia, Play it Safe by the Water, Mizu, Vitality Brands, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Feed Me Surf Coast and Surf Better Now.
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