Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles Presented by Rip Curl Commence at Djarrak / Bells Beach

Djarrak / Bells Beach, VIC  (29/05/2026) – The 13th Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl officially got underway today at Djarrak / Bells Beach on Wadawurrung Country. With the nation’s top Indigenous surfers treated to clean head-high surf for the opening day of competition at the spiritual home of Australian surfing.

Commencing this morning with a powerful Welcome to Country ceremony; competitors, families, Elders and supporters came together as Traditional Owners welcomed everyone to Country. Recognising the deep connection between culture, land and ocean; setting the tone for a special three days of surfing, connection and community.

Now in its thirteenth year, the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl has become one of the most significant gatherings on the national surfing calendar, bringing together elite Indigenous surfers, emerging talent and communities from across the country for three days of competition and connection on the iconic Surf Coast.

Hosted by Surfing Victoria, the event features divisions ranging from Under 18 through to Open Men and Women, Masters, Longboard and Over 50’s, showcasing the depth of Indigenous surfing talent from around Australia.

Day one saw clean conditions and plenty of standout performances across multiple divisions, with competitors taking on the world-famous lineup at Djarrak / Bells Beach.

Former Pipeline Master and surfing legend Robbie Page (Port Kembla, NSW) won his Masters and Over 50s heat this morning during his 12th appearance at the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl. He praised the energy and connection on site, and was very impressed by the standard of surfing today: 

“It’s unreal to be here. It’s a spiritual gathering, a modern-day corroboree, back here at Djarrak. I competed in around 12 Bells Beach Pro events back in the day, and now this is my 12th Indigenous Titles, which is pretty special.

There’s such a strong family feeling here. There are no egos, and when one of us wins, we all win.

I got to surf two heats back-to-back this morning and I’ve got a longboard heat later today as well. It’s been great to get some waves, and everyone’s surfing really well.”

2025 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles Open Women’s and Junior Champion Leihani Kaloha Zoric (Byron Bay, NSW) continued her momentum on today’s opening day of competition, posting an excellent 8.00-point ride to claim victory in Open Women’s Round 1, Heat 1.

Zoric said she is always excited to return to Djarrak / Bells Beach for the event:

“I always look forward to coming back to this event each year because I get to spend time with and connect with so many amazing people here at Djarrak / Bells Beach. The environment is so special, the waves are always great, and it makes for a really special event.”

Rohnin Henry-Micale (Wollongong, NSW) claimed victory in Open Men’s Round 1, Heat 2 by 4.00 points after posting an excellent 8.00-point ride, showcasing multiple stylish wraps and two strong snaps through the lip.

While conditions were a little slow during his heat, Henry-Micale said the sets were great when they came through:

“The waves have been a little slow, but super fun when the sets roll through, it’s probably two-foot on the sets. It’s always great to get everyone together down here and connect. It’s so good to see this event grow every year.”

After an action packed day one at the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl, competition is expected to resume at 7:30am Saturday the 29th of May, as we head towards finals day on Sunday the 30th of May to crown Australian champions across seven divisions.

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, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Mizu Drinkbottles, Feed Me Surf Coast and Surf Better Now.