Report: Surfing Australia
Photos: Surfing Australia / Jay Macguire
The 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles, with Australia’s best shortboard surfers, converged on Wollongong from August 24–30. Shortboard surfing is the high-performance core of the sport, and the Australian Titles showcase the explosive turns, seamless carves and aerial progression that continue to push Australian surfing forward.
With surfers from all six states competing across multiple age divisions, the event brought together generations of Australian shortboard talent, with national titles on the line and the opportunity to qualify for the Australian National Surfing Team, The Irukandjis, through the Over 40s, Over 50s and Over 60s Masters divisions, at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Masters Surfing Championships.
The event began with an opening ceremony on August 24, followed by six days of competition across the Illawarra coastline, from Stanwell Park to Port Kembla.
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott said shortboard surfing represents the sport at its most dynamic and progressive:
''Shortboard surfing is the high-performance core of our sport, defined by speed, precision, and progressive manoeuvres.
The Australian Shortboard Surfing Championships bring together competitors across all age groups, from the Under 21s through to the Legends Over 65s, across both Men’s and Women’s categories. The action will reach its peak on the weekend with the fiercely contested Men’s and Women’s Open divisions, showcasing the pinnacle of competitive shortboarding, alongside the exciting new Under 21s division, set to be a standout among the age groups.
''It’s exciting to see athletes from across the generations coming together on the same stage, from surfers taking their first steps into national competition through to those with decades of experience in the sport. The new Under 21s division adds another exciting pathway for Australia’s emerging talent, while highlighting the incredible depth of surfing talent across all age groups.''
This championship embodies the true spirit of shortboarding — where explosive turns, seamless carves, and aerial innovation take centre stage.'' Mr. Elliott said
Generations of Shortboard Talent
The 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles brought together multiple generations of Australian surfers, from established names with decades of experience to the next generation making their mark on the sport.
Representing the depth, longevity and evolution of Australian shortboarding, Robbie Page (Crescent Head, NSW) returned to competition in the Duke’s Men’s Over 55 Division. A former Pipeline Masters competitor and 2008 World Masters champion, Page has spent decades at the highest levels of surfing and has witnessed firsthand how dramatically the sport has evolved. Still driven by a desire to compete and test himself against the best surfers in his division, Page says his love for surfing remains as strong as ever.
Reflecting on what keeps him coming back, Page said:
“For my age, it’s not really a new generation — I’m surfing against the older boys! I love seeing the new crew do their thing and showing my support, being part of the crew that are mature but still have that burning desire to smash me. It’s cool. I’ve been there and done my time. I won the 2008 World Masters title and did what I wanted to do, but do I still love surfing and want to get out there and compete? Yeah, absolutely."
Having surfed through multiple eras of Australian surfing, Page has also watched the equipment, performance and progression of the sport change dramatically. He sees the next generation pushing the boundaries in ways that were unimaginable when he was coming through.
“It always takes you back. You see the joy in the young crew and you used to be like that. It’s nice to see the progression in the collective consciousness. We didn’t see aerials like this back in the day, so it’s great to see. I feel like I’m part of that evolution, and the kids today have evolved to that level. They’ve got it easy now with the surfing. We were riding hand-shaped boards. If we lost our best board back in the day, that was it — you didn’t have a computer printing out the exact same board and another four ready to go. You had one board, and you made it work.”
For Page, the competitive drive has never disappeared. Despite the injuries and challenges that come with a lifetime in the water, competing alongside dedicated Masters surfers keeps him sharp and connected to the sport.
“For me, it’s surfing with the guys who are so dedicated to surfing — high fitness-level guys who are out in the water at 5am. There aren’t many guys like myself still coming back to compete at this level, especially after injuries, so it keeps it tough. I don’t have 30 years of surfing ahead of me, but competing has helped keep my surfing tuned up. I’m always going for the win.”
Returning to defend his title, Rod Baldwin (Copacabana, NSW) competed in the Legends Over 65s Division, where he was among the leading contenders for the podium. Rod came into the event in strong form after winning the Men’s Over 60s Division at the 2025 Australian Shortboard Titles in Wollongong, and was looking to secure his place on the Australian National Team for the 2026 ISA World Masters Surfing Championships in El Salvador.
A proven performer on the international stage, Rod also claimed Gold in the Over 45s Division at the World Masters Surfing event in Panama in 2010. With another Australian title under his belt, Rod was looking to once again finish on the podium and add another major result to an already decorated Masters career.
In the Open Women’s division, Kiera Buckpitt (Culburra Beach, NSW) returned to Wollongong as the reigning 2025 Australian Shortboard Titles champion. A rising name in NSW women’s surfing, Buckpitt was looking to defend her title while continuing to make her mark on the next generation of Australian women’s surfing.
Speaking about representing NSW and competing for an Australian Title, Buckpitt said:
“Representing my state and competing for an Australian Title means a lot to me, being able to represent the state I have grown up in. I feel being a part of this next generation is so valuable, as it makes me push myself to continue to strive to further my career.”
Reflecting on the growth of women’s surfing and the generations that have paved the way, Kiera said:
“Women’s surfing has come so far, and I love that I’m a part of this new evolution. I’m so thankful to the women like Pam Burridge, Pauline Menczer, Lisa Anderson and Wendy Botha, just to name a few, for paving the way for us in the next generation of women’s surfing.
Competing in the Australian Titles is such an honour. It’s amazing to compete against such a stacked field and watch everyone in all age groups push their limits and each other to bring out our best surfing and the passion we all hold for the sport.
It’s really cool to see the younger girls in the junior fields aspiring and pushing themselves to be the best they can be too. They all rip!”
Event Favourites
This year’s Australian Shortboard Titles featured some compelling names to watch, led by Taj Simon and Serena Brooke, both arriving in Wollongong with strong stories behind them.
Fresh off his Indigenous Titles victory, Taj Simon secured a wildcard entry into the Australian Shortboard Titles. Having reached the semi-finals last year, Taj returned to Wollongong determined to take the win in his division while proudly representing Indigenous surfing on the national stage.
Reflecting on what the Australian Shortboard Titles opportunity means to him, Taj Simon said:
“I received a wildcard into this event last year, so it’s nice to be able to come back down and have another crack at the title. Representing my Indigenous culture at any event is really special to me, but it feels extra special to be able to represent my culture on the national level.
I’m actually originally from the Wollongong area and grew up in Port Kembla, but I’m now based up on the Gold Coast. I feel I can use a bit of past knowledge to my advantage down there. As mentioned before, I competed in this event last year and fell short in the semi-finals, so I’m hoping to go one heat better this year and take the win in the final.”
Fresh off her 2025 Women’s Over 30 Australian Title, Serena Brooke returned to the Australian Shortboard Titles in Wollongong looking to build on last year’s national victory. A former WSL Championship Tour surfer and ISA silver medallist, Brooke will compete across the Over 30 and Over 40 divisions, with the opportunity to qualify for ISA competition on the line. She is also coaching Australia’s next generation of female surfers through the Talent Unleashed program, giving her a unique perspective on the continued growth of women’s surfing.
Reflecting on her return to the Australian Titles and the next generation of women coming through, Serena Brooke said:
“I only started competing in Australian Titles again last year, after I got the ISA wildcard to El Salvador a couple of years back, where I got a silver medal in the Over 40s. I haven’t done much competing since finishing on the WSL Tour in 2010.
I had a fun time with all my friends from my Tour days in El Salvador, so I decided to do the Aussie Titles again and maybe represent Australia again at the ISA Titles.
I am coaching the next generation within the Talent Unleashed program, and the next generation of women surfers is insane. It’s going to be so exciting watching them all in the coming years.”
On what the Australian Titles mean to her and winning the Over 30 division last year, Brooke said:
“It’s great to still be able to compete in the Aussie Titles. Most girls and guys my age are still surfing at a fairly high level, and it’s just fun to do the events and continue to push what’s possible for surfers in the older divisions.
Competing inspires us all to stay in shape and keep surfing at a high level. Last year, it was great to come away with a win in the Over 30s division. Even though that’s a younger division than I am in, competing in it pushed me to lift my level and do my best against the younger girls, and to come out on top was a bonus.
Hopefully we score some fun waves at Sandon Point this year!”
The Next Generation of Australian Surfing
The 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles showcased the depth of Australia’s emerging surfing talent, with the introduction of the new Under 21 division alongside a strong Open Women’s field.
The new Under 21 division provides a fresh platform for Australia’s emerging talent, with young surfers stepping into a new stage of national competition. Sammy Lowe (Thirroul, NSW), the 2024 Australian Junior Surfing Titles U18 winner, was among the surfers making the move into the new division, taking on a stacked field of Australia’s best young surfers as they compete for the inaugural Under 21 Australian Title.
Speaking about the introduction of the new division and stepping up from the junior ranks, Lowe said:
“The addition of the U21 division is a huge improvement to the Australian Titles. It bridges the gap between the junior comps and the Open Men’s, and I’m super excited to compete in the new division.
Winning the U18s was a huge achievement for me. I’m hoping to do some good surfing at my home break in front of my friends and family.”
Okie Fraser (Gnarabup, WA) also stepped into both the new Under 21 division and the Open Men’s field, bringing strong form into the Titles after podiuming at this year’s WA Open Men’s State Titles and being crowned the 2025 Open Men’s State Champion. Known for taking on some of Western Australia’s bigger waves and heavier slabs, Fraser looked forward to testing his surfing on the east coast and competing outside his usual WA conditions for the first time in the Open divisions.
Speaking about the opportunity to compete across both divisions and test himself in a new environment, Fraser said:
“A strong result at the Aussie Titles would be something super exciting, especially as it’s my first time coming over to compete in the Open divisions away from the juniors.
It’s a good addition having the Under 21s, and it will be great competing against the pro juniors as well as the Open Men.
Coming from Margs, it will be a good challenge to get back into the grind of the east coast and see how far I can go. It’s always fun seeing how my surfing is going away from the power and size of WA.”
Finals Begin at Australian Shortboard Titles in Wollongong
On Friday August 28 the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles wrapped up the Masters competition in Wollongong, with champions crowned across the age divisions following four days of excellent conditions along the iconic Illawarra coastline.
With surfers from across Australia’s six surfing states battling it out for national titles, the competition delivered standout performances across the Masters divisions, from the Thermos Over 30s through to the Over 65s.
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott said the conditions were providing the perfect canvas for the competitors to perform at their best.
“We’re here at Sandon Point and the waves are absolutely pumping. Today we’re going to crown Australian champions from the Over 30s through to the Over 65s, across both the Men’s and Women’s divisions. These are the sort of waves that allow surfers to perform at their best. We’ve got three to five foot surf, perfect sand and point conditions, big rippable sections and the odd barrel. It’s giving the surfers the canvas to really perform to the criteria the judges are looking for. We’re extremely proud of everyone’s efforts throughout the day, and in particular some of our Western Australian surfers who are taking out Australian Titles and doing it all for Mark Lane.”
Masters Champions Crowned: Surfing Legend Makes the most of the Waves
By the conclusion of the day, champions across the Thermos Over 30 Men & Women, Ampd Bros Over 40 Men & Women, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort Over 50 Men & Women, Over 55 Men, Over 60 Men & Women, and Over 65 Men divisions had been determined.
The first final of the day delivered a standout result, with Pam Burridge (Mollymook, NSW) claiming the Over 60 Women’s Australian Championship after entering this year’s Australian Shortboard Titles as a wildcard.
The victory sees Burridge earn her place on The Irukandjis, Australia’s national Masters team, and the opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage.
A pioneer of Australian women’s professional surfing and former World Champion, and former resident of Pittwater, Burridge said returning to competition and pulling the Australian jersey back on was a special opportunity.
“I definitely won’t knock it because I think you often find people don’t come back to these events if they’ve had a great career because they’ve got a lot to lose. Someone might beat them on the day, and it can be a hit to the ego. But for me, even if I came last, I was totally willing to have a go. When you’re a certain age in the sport, sometimes you’re going to suck, sometimes you’re going to go OK, but you’ve just got to have a go. I decided to have a go and I was really rewarded with some nice waves.”
Burridge said the opportunity to compete alongside friends and put the Australian jersey back on made the experience even more meaningful.
“It is prestigious. I definitely wouldn’t knock it. To put the Australian jersey back on and be out there surfing with your mates, it’s pretty special. I was just really happy to have a go and see what happened.”
Pam Burridge, Over 60 Women's Champion at the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles. Credits: Surfing Australia / Jay Macguire
Back-to-back Wins for Dean Bowen at his home break
Dean Bowen (Wollongong, NSW) claimed the Thermos Men’s Over 30 Australian Championship for the second consecutive year, adding another national title to his record at his home break.
A key part of the event both in and out of the water, Dean has also taken on the role of Head of Water Safety for the Australian Shortboard Titles, making his back-to-back victory a standout result.
Dean said competing at his home break and being part of the Titles was particularly special.
“Yeah, I love Wollongong. I love the area and the wave out here is awesome. It’s good to go back-to-back. I won last year, so to do it again here feels really good. I just love being part of it. I’m a lifelong surf lover and I’m here doing water safety and lifeguarding, so to be able to be part of the event and compete as well is pretty special.”
Dean was pushed all the way in this year’s final, with the result coming down to the closing minutes.
“Last year it was all happening really quickly. I got a good score early, but today it took me to the last four minutes. It felt good to put some good surfing together. It’s a prestigious event and everyone here does a great job. I enjoy it.”
“I like winning. Of course, everyone does. But it feels good to be out there with your mates, doing your best surfing and being part of the event. That’s what I surf for.”
With the new Under 21 and Open divisions hitting the water over the weekend, there was plenty more action ahead as the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles continued, showcasing the depth and progression of high-performance surfing in Australia.
Final Champions Crowned
On Sunday August 30 the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles concluded at Sandon Point, with the final Australian Champions crowned.
The event delivered quality conditions throughout the week, with Sandon Point providing a high-performance canvas for competitors across the Masters, Under 21 and Open divisions. The newly introduced Under 21 divisions showcased an impressive standard of emerging talent, highlighting the depth of Australia’s next generation of shortboarders.
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott said the event had been an outstanding week of competition in Wollongong:
“We’re here for Day Six, the final day of the Australian Shortboard Titles. Our blue ribband divisions hit the water for the first time yesterday with the Open Men and Women along with our new division the Under 21's. The standard from the U21 Men and Women set a new bench mark for this age group with an amazing standard of surfing. It’s definitely filling a development pathway and a need for competitors that have finished their Junior careers and launching into a potential professional career.
We’ve had smaller conditions today, but really nice, clean waves this morning. We’re expecting a little light onshore wind to come through throughout the day, but Sandon Point continues to deliver with two to three foot waves from the bowl to the inside point.
It’s been an amazing week down here in Wollongong it has simply been an unforgettable 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles and one for the record books.
Many thanks to our events crew, Sandon Point Boardriders, Mayor Tania Brown for the ongoing support and the team at Destination Wollongong, and certainly not forgetting all of the locals for letting us surf their amazing point break wave."
With the Australian Shortboard Titles bringing some of the country’s best surfers to Wollongong, the event also highlighted the strong connection between the region and its surfing community.
Illawarra Councillor Dan Hayes said it had been fantastic to see the Titles return to the region and showcase Wollongong as a coastal city with a strong surfing culture.
“It’s fantastic to have the Australian Shortboard Titles here in Wollongong and to be able to showcase the Wollongong and Illawarra region. We’re a coastal city, we love our surfing, and you can really see that here, not just through the fierce competition but through the incredible support from the community. It’s been fantastic to see the event embraced by everyone, not just those competing. We’d be more than happy to welcome the Titles back next year and look forward to making it even bigger and better.”
Across the weekend, the final champions were crowned in the Under 21 and Open divisions, bringing the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles to a close.
In the Men’s Open Division, local surfer Jed Ashton (Sandon Point, NSW) went back-to-back, claiming his second consecutive Australian Title at his home break of Sandon Point. Drawing on a lifetime of experience surfing the wave, Ashton put his local knowledge to work to secure the win.
Reflecting on his second consecutive Australian Title, Ashton said the result was particularly special given his lifelong connection to Sandon Point.
“It’s pretty surreal, to be honest. I was a bit nervous, but I knew I could do it. It was tricky today and it all comes down to the waves, but I’ve surfed out here all my life, so I know it pretty well. I went back to my roots, did what I needed to do, and here we are.”
Ashton said the support of the local surfing community and Sandon Point Boardriders played a huge role in making the back-to-back victory even more meaningful.
“It’s amazing. Everyone comes together and it’s such a small community here. Sandon Point Boardriders is such a good club and so supportive. Everyone’s down here and behind you. It’s a great club with great support, and I couldn’t have it any better, to be honest.”
Bungan Boardriders member Milla Coco Brown, fresh off her win at the 2026 Noosa Pro Junior, won the Women's Open Division.
Congratulations to Milla Coco Brown on claiming the 2026 Australian Open Women’s title at the Australian Shortboard Titles.
Milla put together a strong performance at Sandon Point, posting a 12.50-point heat total to secure the national title.
A huge result for Milla and a standout finish to the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles.
Milla Coco Brown (NSW) Open Women's Champion at the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles. Credit: Surfing Australia / Jay Macguire
New Under 21 Divisions Crown Inaugural Champions
Making their debut at the Australian Shortboard Titles, the new Under 21 Men’s and Women’s divisions provided a dedicated competitive platform for the next generation of Australian shortboarders.
The inaugural divisions delivered a strong standard of surfing, with competitors making the most of the conditions at Sandon Point as they battled for their place in Australian Shortboard Titles history.
First-ever Under 21's Women's Champion
The newly introduced Under 21 Women’s Division has crowned its first-ever Australian Champion, with Alice Hodgson (Kiama Downs, NSW) claiming the inaugural title with a 10.90-point total.
The new division provided an important opportunity for young female surfers to compete against their peers, alongside the established Open divisions.
Hodgson said she was grateful to be part of the inaugural division and excited to see the opportunity continue:
“It feels amazing. I’m so grateful that I got to compete in this age division. I think lots of people just see the Opens and the other divisions, so having another division for the girls is an incredible opportunity. I’m so stoked.”
Looking ahead, Hodgson said she plans to continue training and building towards the next stage of her competitive career.
“I’ll definitely keep training and keep up the hard work, and then see where that takes me. I’m looking forward to competing in a few Pro Juniors next year, and I’m really excited to come back and compete at this event again. It’s a pretty cool event to be part of, especially with all the different generations competing.”
First-Ever Under 21 Men's Champion
The newly introduced Under 21 Men’s Division has crowned its first-ever Australian Champion, with Okie Fraser (Gnarabup, WA) taking the inaugural title with an impressive 15.86-point total.
Fraser held his nerve in a tightly fought final, finding the waves he needed to secure his place in Australian Shortboard Titles history and become the first-ever Under 21 Men’s Australian Champion.
The young West Australian said the inaugural title was a special achievement, particularly after a strong week of competition:
“It’s so good. Being the first-ever Under 21 National Champion is so special. The boys were all ripping, and it came down to the last second, so I’m so stoked.”
Fraser said the week had tested the competitors across a range of conditions, but he was pleased with how he performed throughout the event.
“I feel like I performed as well as I can. It was pumping early in the week, and today was a little bit trickier, but I found the waves I needed and I’m stoked.”
Fraser also dedicated his historic win to Mark Lane, saying the paddle out on friday was a particularly special moment for the competitors.
“It was so cool having all the boys together for the paddle out. It was pretty special to all be together here at this break. I wanted to do it for Laney.”
Australian National Surfing team Decided
Champions across the eligible Over 40s, Over 50s and Over 60s divisions have earned the opportunity to represent Australia as part of The Irukandjis, with the newly crowned champions securing their places on the national Masters team.
In the Ampd Bros Over 40 Men’s Division, Nic Squiers (NSW) claimed the Australian Championship and secured his place on The Irukandjis.
Squiers said the opportunity to represent Australia was a special part of the victory:
“Yeah, it’s awesome. I’m stoked. To do it again, it’s actually been out of my scope for a while, so to be able to come back and do it and potentially win another gold medal for Australia is pretty special. I actually feel like I’m surfing better than I have been. I’ve been a little bit rusty, but I’ve been training a lot over the last year and I’m set for anything that’s ahead."
Baldwin Claims another Australian Title
After claiming the Over 60 Men’s Australian Championship last year, Rod Baldwin (NSW) stepped up an age group this year and continued his strong run, taking out the Over 65 Men’s Australian Championship.
For Baldwin, returning to the Australian Shortboard Titles each year is about more than chasing another trophy. The competition provides an opportunity to stay active, challenge himself and catch up with the familiar faces he has shared the lineup with over the years.
“It’s very satisfying. It’s always great to win an Australian Title. I was in the Over 60s last year, so to get the win there and then move up into the Over 65s and win again this year is pretty special. You see the same faces every year, and it’s great that everyone keeps themselves busy and keeps competing. It gives you something to strive for.”
Baldwin also said being able to compete at his local boardriders club, surrounded by the wider surfing community and different generations of surfers, made the win even more rewarding.
“It’s also great being here at my local boardriders club and having that support. You get to see all the generations coming through, from the Under 21s right through to the older divisions. My boardriders club has really supported me and the Titles as well, so that’s been great.”
South Australia on the Podium
Luke Sykora (SA) has finished third in the Open Men’s division at the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles in Wollongong, putting a South Australian name on the national podium.
Sykora said he was proud to represent South Australia and relished the opportunity to compete against some of the country’s highest-level surfers.
“I’m stoked to have placed third in the Open Men’s and I’m proud to have a South Aussie name on the podium.”
After progressing through the earlier rounds, Sykora said linking together a strong run of waves through the quarter-finals and semi-finals was a highlight of his campaign.
“I think the moment that stood out for me this week was being able to link some good waves together in the quarters and semis on finals day.”
“It’s a great opportunity to compete against so many high-level surfers and to place third is a great feeling to get my name up there. Proud to represent SA!”
A Celebration of Every Generation
With history behind it and a new generation ready to make its mark, the Australian Shortboard Titles continues to showcase the depth and progression of high-performance surfing in Australia. With ISA qualification on the line and surfers from across the country coming together in Wollongong, this year’s event delivered another memorable chapter in the history of the Titles.
From established champions to the next generation of talent, the six days of competition brought together surfers chasing national titles, representing their states and creating memories that will stay with them long after the final heat.
2026 Australian Shortboard Titles Winners:
- Ford Open Men - Jed Ashton (Sandon Point, NSW)
- Ford Open Women - Milla Brown (Bungan Beach, NSW)
- Under 21 Men - Okie Fraser (Gnarabup, WA)
- Under 21 Women - Alice Hodgson (Kiama Downs, NSW)
- Thermos Over 30 Men - Dean Bowen (Wollongong, NSW)
- Thermos Over 30 Women - Serena Brooke (QLD)
- Ampd Bros Over 40 Men - Nic Squiers (Wollongong, NSW)
- Ampd Bros Over 40 Women - Amee Donohoe (Central Coast, NSW)
- Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort Over 50 Men - Dan Dignam (Woonona, NSW)
- Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort Over 50 Women - Belinda Koorey (Manly Vale, NSW)
- Over 55 Men - Paul Dupuy (WA)
- Over 60 Men - John Schmidenberg (Emerald Beach, NSW)
- Over 60 Women - Pam Burridge (Mollymook, NSW)
- Over 65 Men - Rod Baldwin (Copacabana, NSW)
- 2026 Overall State Champion: NSW
About the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles:
The shortboard divisions of the 2026 Australian Surf Championships are being held as a stand-alone event on Dharawal Country, along the stunning South Coast Line in New South Wales.
Winners in the Men & Women Over 40's, Over 50's and Over 60's will earn a spot in the Australian surfing team, the Irukandjis, for next year's International Surfing Association (ISA) World Master Surfing Championships in 2027.
For more information, please visit https://australianshortboardtitles.com/.
Entry to the Australian Shortboard Titles is by state qualification or invitation as a wildcard.
The 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles is proudly supported by Ford Australia, Fujifilm, Ampd Bros, Thermos, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, Surfers for Climate and Visit Wollongong.
Belinda Koorey, Over 50 Women's Champion at the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles. Credits: Surfing Australia / Jay Macguire