Day Two at the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles Presented by Rip Curl at Djarrak / Bells Beach

Djarrak / Bells Beach, VIC  (30/05/2026) – The 13th Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl continued today at Djarrak / Bells Beach on Wadawurrung Country, with competitors treated to clean chest-to-head-high surf as the event moved into a crucial day of requalification heats.

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, culture 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 50s, showcasing the depth of Indigenous surfing talent from around Australia.

More than 20 requalification heats hit the water throughout the day. Slow conditions tested patience and heat strategy of the nation’s top Indigenous surfers, but there was still plenty of highlight moments.

Zachary Malony (Melbourne, VIC) took out Open Men’s Longboard Requalification Heat 3 this morning against former Pipeline Master and surfing legend Robbie Page. The occasion carried great significance, marking the first time Malony had ever competed against one of his surfing heroes in a moment that spanned generations:

“That was sick! It’s probably the best waves I’ve had in a while. I got to surf a heat with Robbie Page for the first time, which was pretty special. My dad used to surf against him back in the day, and they had a great rivalry, a bit of a love-hate thing going on but they were always mates. Robbie has always been someone I’ve looked up to, so getting to share waves with him in a competition was unreal.

The surfing is always a bonus, but the best part is seeing everyone and catching up with Mob. I mean, look where we are, it’s magic.”

Matilda Thearle (Woolooware, NSW) claimed victory in Open Women’s Requalification Heat 1 this morning. Thearle found the best wave of the heat and unleashed a series of critical snaps through the lip to post a standout 6.33-point ride. Despite her strong performance, Thearle said her favourite part of the event is the opportunity to connect with people from Indigenous communities across the country:

“This event is so special. It brings together people from all different communities and is a chance for us all to connect with each other. I look forward to coming down here every year, and it always seems like the waves turn on for us.

Today was really fun. It was clean and there were still some great moments, but tomorrow is looking even better. Everyone’s really excited for finals day.

Really the best part is getting to hang out with everyone though!”

Competing in the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl for the very first time, Malakai Carson (Old Bar, NSW) made a strong statement in Open Men’s Requalification Heat 3 today. Carson posted the two highest scores of the heat, a 7.33 and a 5.83, to secure a convincing victory by 4.66 points.

The result sees Carson advance to finals day tomorrow, where he’ll battle it out for a national title. Carson said he’s looking forward to seeing Bells Beach turn on for finals day:

“It’s been great hanging out with everyone, both in the water and around the event. This is my first year here and I’m loving it. It’s so sick to surf Bells Beach,  it’s such an iconic wave.

Tomorrow is looking really good, so I’m excited to see Bells really come to life and hopefully get some great waves. The whole experience has been unreal.”

Finals Day is shaping up to be a cracker, with the surf forecast looking promising as a powerful swell is expected to peak at 4.1 metres on Sunday. Competitors can expect clean, overhead surf throughout the day as Australian champions will be crowned across seven divisions at the conclusion of the 13th Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl.

Competition is expected to resume at 7:30am on Sunday, May 31.

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.