Hurley to support junior surfing at Bells Beach as naming rights partner to Bells Beach Junior

Surfing Victoria is proud to announce Hurley as the Naming Rights Partner of the Hurley Bells Beach Junior, bringing together one of surf culture’s most recognisable brands with the next generation of Australian surfing talent.

The Hurley Bells Beach Junior will take place at Bells Beach / Djarrak on September 23 and 24, marking the return of nationally rated junior competition to the iconic Victorian break for the first time since 2019.

With deep roots in surf culture and a brand identity built around surfing, creativity and progression, Hurley has long been associated with the evolution of modern surf culture. Its partnership with the Bells Beach Junior continues that connection by supporting young surfers as they take the next steps in their competitive careers.

The event will be rated at 5,500 points on the Surfing Australia Junior Series, with Under 16 and Under 18 Boys and Girls divisions providing competitors with the opportunity to earn valuable national ranking points at one of Australia’s most iconic waves.

The event will also showcase a strong contingent of local Victorian talent, including U18 State Champion Jarvis Barrow, U16 State Champion Rose Holland, Teddy Robertson and Lillian Bassed.

Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson said the partnership represented a strong alignment between Hurley’s connection to surfing and Surfing Victoria’s commitment to developing the next generation.

“Hurley is a brand that has been part of surf culture and the progression of surfing for decades, so having them come on board as the Naming Rights Partner of the Bells Beach Junior is a fantastic fit,” Robertson said.

“This event is about giving young surfers the opportunity to compete, progress and experience Bells Beach in a nationally rated environment. Hurley understands the importance of that connection between surfing, culture and the next generation.”

As part of the partnership, the Hurley Bells Beach Junior will feature a special movie night at Hurley retail partner Strapper Surf, bringing competitors, families and the wider surfing community together off the beach.

The evening will feature Hurley team rider Jay Phillips, who will showcase his documentary and share his story and experiences with the next generation of surfers.

The movie night will add another dimension to the event, bringing together surfing, storytelling, community and culture while giving young athletes the opportunity to connect with an established Hurley team rider.

The Hurley Bells Beach Junior will also be supported by Carve and Sea All Dolphin Swims, who join the event as Supporting Partners.

Carve brings its connection to surf lifestyle and culture to the event, while Sea All Dolphin Swims will help highlight the unique marine environment of the Surf Coast and the importance of protecting the ocean that underpins the sport.

As the original value eyewear company, Carve has been part of Australian surf culture for decades and has proudly supported grassroots surfing since 1998. Their long-standing commitment to the surfing community makes them a great fit for an event focused on supporting and celebrating emerging surfers.

Dolphin Swims have come on board with cash prize money for the winner of each division, which is a fantastic addition to the event and gives the competitors even more to chase when they hit the water.

In addition, the winners will receive a double Dolphin and Seal Swim pass, giving them the opportunity to experience one of the local ocean adventures that Dolphin Swims is known for.

For the competitors, the event represents a significant opportunity on the national junior pathway. With 5,500 points on offer, results at Bells Beach / Djarrak will contribute to the Surfing Australia Junior Series rankings while providing valuable experience at a world-renowned competition venue.

The return of nationally rated junior surfing to Bells also provides a platform to showcase the depth of emerging talent in Victoria and across Australia, with the next generation given the chance to write their own chapter at one of surfing’s most celebrated locations.

The Hurley Bells Beach Junior will be held at Bells Beach / Djarrak on September 23 and 24, 2026, conditions permitting.

2026 Bells Beach Junior
Dates: September 23-24, 2026
Location: Bells Beach / Djarrak, Victoria
Rating: 5,500-point Surfing Australia Junior Series event
Divisions: Under 16 Boys, Under 16 Girls, Under 18 Boys, Under 18 Girls.

For more information, visit the Surfing Victoria website. 

The 2026 Hurley Bells Beach Junior is supported Vitality Brands, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Sea All Dolphin Swims, Carve Eyewear, Surf Better Now and Surfing Victoria.