BURLEIGH HEADS, QLD (11/09/2025) – Australia’s biggest grassroots surfing series, the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB), officially launched its 13th edition today in Burleigh Heads with a press conference.
Special guests and last years competitors, Sophie McCulloch (Alexandra Headland, QLD), Liam O’Brien (Burleigh Heads, QLD), Sheldon Simkus (Snapper Rocks, QLD) and Leihani Zoric (Byron Bay, NSW), joined host Vaughan Blakey (Byron Bay, NSW) for an exciting discussion as anticipation builds for the opening event of the 13th edition of the Australian Boardriders Battle.
This series brings together the beating heart of Australian surfing: its boardriders clubs. And this ABB Regional Series / Regional Qualifiers will see over 80 of the best boardrider clubs go head-to-head for national glory.
Commencing this weekend at Trigg Point, WA, before moving through NSW, VIC, TAS, SA and QLD, competitors will navigate iconic point breaks and raw beachies as the fight for a spot in the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance on the Gold Coast in March 2026.
In a historic first, Cronulla Beach will host the NSW Sydney South Regional Qualifier, marking the debut of this world-famous stretch of sand on the ABB schedule.
Defending Champions Return to Take on the Nation
Last year’s ABB Grand Final saw North Shore Boardriders (NSW) claim national glory in front of a packed Burleigh Heads crowd, cementing their place as one of the most formidable clubs in the country. Returning in 2026 to defend their title, North Shore Boardrider surfer, Sophie McCulloch, is excited to take on the nations best again.
“One of the biggest things that came out of North Shore’s win last year is the reminder that it’s not just about the surfers—it’s about the club and the wider community. We’re one big family, and that’s what drives us.
The fiercest rivalries are always the local ones. For us, it’s Noosa Boardriders. They’ve got a lot of talent, and we’ve got a friendly rivalry with them, but when comp day comes around, everyone’s out there to win.”
2024 champions, Burleigh Heads Boardriders Club narrowly missed out on the final last season. Club power-house Liam O’Brien says they’re hungry for redemption and are eager for another shot at the title at their home break.
“I’d love to have another shot at it. Having such a big crowd on the beach this year was pretty special—especially seeing so many people I grew up with and those who’ve mentored me along the way. It made the whole experience really memorable.”
A National Stage, A Club Rivalry Like No Other.
Since its inception, the ABB has built a reputation as one of the most exciting formats in world surfing. The series’ unique tag-team relay format sees club teams of five—comprising Open Men, Open Women, Junior, Masters, and a NRMA Insurance Power Surfer—race the clock, with each surfer catching their scoring waves before sprinting up the beach to tag the next teammate. Strategy, endurance, and surf skill combine to create some of the most intense and dramatic heats in competitive surfing.
It’s a stage where former World Champions like Layne Beachley, Joel Parkinson and Taj Burrow, and Olympians such as Owen Wright and Ruby Trew, come up against Australia’s rising juniors and current professionals. The mix of experience and youth, legends and future stars, makes every heat more than just a contest—it’s a true battle for club pride and community.
Snapper Rocks Surfriders Club Sheldon Simkus, says the clubs history and talent runs deep and they’re confident they can go all the way next year, after only narrowly losing in this years grand final.
“Growing up at Snapper, our boardrider events were always stacked with talent. As you get older and get the chance to compete in bigger events like the Australian Boardriders Battle, it feels like such a privilege, especially surfing for a club like Snapper. Our club has so much history. I remember my first few times in this event, standing alongside Joel Parkinson and Steph Gilmore. It was surreal.”
Byron Bay Boardriders young gun Leihani Zoric dropped on of the highest scores of the event at this year’s grand final, a 9.13 pt ride. They will compete at the second regional qualifier in Coffs Harbour in under two weeks.
“My goal for this qualifier is just to give it my best. Hopefully Byron Bay Boardriders can make the final and take the win. I just want to put up some good scores for the team.
That 9.13 last year was pretty special. I knew I was on a good wave and all I was thinking was that I needed to stick the last turn and finish it off. I was super proud of that one.”
As anticipation builds, Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said the series has never been stronger.
“The ABB is where Australia’s grassroots passion meets world-class competition. To launch the 13th season at Trigg Point, welcome Cronulla into the schedule for the very first time, and then finish at Burleigh in peak swell season—it’s everything that makes Australian surfing unique. The pride, the rivalries, the atmosphere—it all comes alive at the ABB.”
Burleigh Heads: The Ultimate Grand Final
The Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is confirmed for March 2026 at iconic Burleigh Heads, one of surfing’s great natural amphitheatres. Expect world-class waves, a purpose-built competition layout and unmatched headland energy for competitors and spectators alike.
City of Gold Coast Acting Mayor Cr Mark Hammel is glad to welcome back the nations best to Burleigh Heads’ renowned surf for Australia’s ultimate grassroots surfing series.
“We’re thrilled to confirm that the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance will return to the Gold Coast’s iconic Burleigh Heads surf break in 2026.
This series continues to unite boardrider clubs from right across the country, and we can’t wait to welcome the nation’s best to compete on one of the world’s most renowned waves.”
2025/26 ABB Regional Qualifier Schedule
- WA – Trigg Point – September 13/14, 2025
- NSW North – Coffs Harbour – September 20, 2025
- VIC – Phillip Island – October 5, 2025
- QLD – Sunshine Coast – October 11, 2025
- SA – Fleurieu Peninsula – October 18, 2025
- TAS – Scamander – October 25,2025
- NSW South – Cronulla (new) – November 1, 2025
- NSW Central – North Narrabeen – November 8, 2025
Full schedule, dates and further info: www.australianboardridersbattle.com
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