Australia’s leading adaptive surfers gathered in Byron Bay for a landmark week of elite competition, inclusion and global sporting inspiration across Australia’s premier adaptive surfing events: the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support and the Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Titles Presented by Siblingscare, with the Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Titles Presented by Siblingscare running as a division of, and in collaboration with, the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support.
Running from 22–29 March, the Championships are designed to prioritise athlete safety, fairness and performance by allowing organisers to chase the best possible surf conditions.
The Event Schedule was:
22 March: Parade of Nations from 3pm, where international competitors march through Byron Bay, followed by a Welcome to Country led by Bundjalung representatives and the Official Opening Ceremony featuring speeches and the ‘Pouring of the Sands’ ritual.
23 – 24 March: The Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Championships Presented by Siblingscare, crowning twelve Australian Para Surfing Champions.
23 – 27 March: Royal Rehab Group Come and Try Days supported by Macquarie Sports: an exciting opportunity for new participants with physical disabilities to experience the joy of surfing.
25 – 29 March: The BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support commence, with finals on March 29, concluding with the Official Presentation Night at Byron Bay Services Club.
Held at Byron Bay, one of the country’s most iconic coastlines, the events were an eight-day celebration of world-class competition, community engagement and inclusive ocean access.
This comes after the Australian National Surfing Team, The Irukandjis, brought home Team Copper at the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championships, finishing with eight individual medals in total. Delivered under Surfing Australia’s national competition framework, these events form a key component of the official selection pathway for athletes aiming to qualify for The Irukandjis ahead of the 2026 ISA World Para Surfing Championships. As momentum builds toward the 2026 ISA World Para Surfing Championships and the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, the event is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the national conversation around adaptive sport pathways, high-performance opportunity, and the future inclusion of surfing on the elite sport world stage.
Six-time World Adaptive Surfing Champion and Byron local Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart is the visionary behind the event, working tirelessly to turn his dream into reality.
Stewart was joined by one of the sport’s most exciting next-generation talents, Kai Colless — the event’s youngest competitor and a powerful symbol of the future of adaptive surfing. As part of a new wave of para-athletes redefining the sport, Kai represents the strength, skill and determination of the next generation rising through the ranks on the international stage.
Another standout competitor in this year’s competition was 4X World Para Surfing Champion, best-selling author, and motivational speaker, Samantha Bloom. Well-known for her major motion Biopic ‘Penguin Bloom’, Sam’s is an inspirational figure in adaptive sport.
Sam Bloom said:
“Adaptive surfing is about freedom and possibility, which I discovered first-hand after sustaining a spinal cord injury. One of the best parts is the support and camaraderie among the adaptive surfers, who have all had to overcome insurmountable challenges to reconnect with the ocean and fall in love with surfing in a completely different way. Seeing people reconnect with the ocean after life-changing injuries is incredibly powerful, and Byron is such a special place to bring that community together.”
The event operated under a mobile beach format, with permits allowing competition to run from The Wreck through to Thomos Rock, with event infrastructure set up and packed down daily. An allocated lay day within the schedule provided further flexibility around swell and weather conditions.
As the state moved into the Easter break and the Autumn school holidays the results began to come through with many local athletes among those who won their event, including Emma Dieters, founder and president of the Northern Beaches Para Surfer Boardriders Inc., who surf at Mona Vale in conjunction with the Mona Vale Boardriders Club, and just says after the 2026 edition of the Boardriders Inclusive Classic hosted by the NBPSB and MVBC at Mona Vale beach.
Lee Farrier. Credit: @samuelsmith.co
On March 26 twelve Australian Para Surfing Champions were crowned at the 2026 BuildCare Australian Para Surfing Titles Presented by SiblingsCare.
Byron Bay local, Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart added another chapter to an already decorated career, securing his eighth Australian Para Surfing Title. Stewart delivered a perfect 10-point ride for a long-running barrel in the closing seconds of the Thermos Para Surfing Kneel Men’s Final, earning himself the win and the Thermos Wave of the Day Award.
“It’s my home break, so I already had the wave in mind. There wasn’t long left, and when the right one came, I went. I was deep in the barrel for a while, maybe got a little greedy, but I knew I had to come out of it, so I quickly made an exit!”
“I look forward to this event every year. It brings everyone together. Having the international para event alongside the Australian Surfing Titles gives local athletes a chance to show the world what they’ve got before the international competition begins.” Mark said.
One of the most competitive matchups of the event unfolded between two of Australia’s top male para surfers, Joel Taylor (NSW) and Kai Colless (QLD), in the Prone 1 Men’s Final. Taylor, a 2X World Adaptive Surfing Champion, secured the 2026 Australian title in a closely contested final, scoring an 8.83 with another long, draining barrel to flip the final heat. Known for his ability to produce under pressure, Taylor’s recent form includes a victory at the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championships, where he scored a perfect 10-point ride.
Pushing him throughout the event was 4X World Champion, Kai Colless, who finished runner-up. Colless remains one of the most progressive and dynamic surfers on the circuit, with his performances continuing to attract attention following his viral 10-point ride at the 2025 ISA World Championships, where he placed second. The rivalry between Taylor and Colless reflects the increasing depth at the top level of the sport, with both athletes playing key roles in Australia’s international success as members of The Irukandjis.
Joel Taylor said:
“I was really hunting the barrels out there, and I was stoked to get one. The surf turned it on for us! It’s such an honour to be representing Team Australia and the Irukandjis again at the ISA World Championships.”
“The close competition between the guys in the Prone 1 is really important for the development of our division, and Para Surfing as a whole. We each push one another to improve heading into every event.”
Sam Bloom once again showcased her class, claiming her fourth Australian Para Surfing Title in the Prone 1 Women’s Final with a total of 12.76, just ahead of Grace Kennedy on 10.20pts in a highly contested final.
Sam Bloom. Credit: Andrew Shield.
Among the emerging talents, Annie Goldsmith’s (SA) rise continued in 2026, with the 2025 Australian Para Surfer of the Year claiming her first national title in the Prone 2 Women’s Final. Goldsmith has already established herself within the national team, having represented Australia internationally since the age of 15. Her progression through the ranks has been marked by consistent performances at the ISA level, and her national title signals a significant step forward in her competitive career.
“Winning an Australian title feels so special. It’s so cool to be able to represent Australia in the Irukandjis! I love being a part of the para surfing community, we all support one another, and we’re all working together to have adaptive surfing included in the Paralympic Games. It’s not just one person working towards that goal, it’s all of us who will help to get it there!” Annie Goldsmith said
In the Para Surfing Visual Impairment 2 division, Finn Banks (NSW) delivered one of the standout stories of the event, claiming victory with a commanding 13.67 heat total. Competing in his first-ever Australian Para Surfing Championships, Banks showed composure beyond his experience, showcasing outstanding surfing on his backhand to take out the final, further highlighting the increasing standard and growing number of new names across adaptive divisions.
“It feels amazing to be the Australian Champion. This is my first time here, and my first time ever competing in the Australian Para Surfing Championships. I can’t believe I’ll be representing Australia as an Irukandji!” Finn said.
The influx of new talent at the Australian Para Surfing Titles demonstrates the expanding reach and influence of adaptive surfing, elevating the competition to new heights and setting the stage for future champions to emerge.
As the sport continues to grow, the Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Titles, presented by Siblingscare, remains a key platform for showcasing talent, building experience, and elevating the profile of adaptive surfing in Australia, as the sport works towards its inclusion in the Paralympic Games.
Joel Taylor. Credit: Andrew Shield.
Australian Para Surfing Titles Results
Thermos Para Surfing Kneel Men (PS-K)
Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart: 16.33 pts (NSW)
Toby Begg: 9.17 pts (NSW)
Michael Foti: 5.53 pts (NSW)
John Maclean: 2.60 pts (NSW)
Thermos Para Surfing Kneel Women (PS-K)
Emma Dieters: 8.00 pts (NSW)
Victoria Pendergast: 5.34 pts (NSW)
Para Surfing Sit (PS-S)
Richard Thomas: 15.20 pts (QLD)
Michael Johnson: 12.17 pts (NSW)
Ford Australia Para Surfing Prone 1 Men (PS-P1)
Joel Taylor: 17.83 pts (NSW)
Kai Colless: 13.06 pts (NSW)
Jay Stevens: 7.47 pts (WA)
Max Devery: 7.30 pts (NSW)
Timothy Hanley: 1.33 pts (NSW)
Para Surfing Prone 1 Women (PS-P1)
Sam Bloom: 12.76 pts (NSW)
Grace Kennedy: 10.20 pts (NSW)
Para Surfing Prone 2 Men (PS-P2)
Cliff Gralton: 13.50 pts (NSW)
Jack Curphey: 13.10 pts (QLD)
Lee Ferrier: 9.96 pts (NSW)
Bailey Van Den Hooven: 8.80 pts (NSW)
Para Surfing Prone 2 Women (PS-P2)
Annie Goldsmith: 11.33 pts (SA)
Para Surfing Visual Impairment 1 (PS-VI1)
Steve Fox: 11.83 pts (NSW)
Kirk Watson: 8.34 pts (NSW)
Para Surfing Visual Impairment 2 (PS-VI2)
Finn Banks: 13.67 pts (NSW)
Jack Jackson: 7.24 pts (NSW)
Daniel Twomey: 4.40 pts (NSW)
Para Surfing Stand 1 (PS-S1
Craig McFadden: 9.14 pts (NSW)
Para Surfing Stand 2 (PS-S2)
Lachlan James: 11.17 pts (NSW)
John Crampton: 6.47 pts (NSW)
Para Surfing Stand 3 (PS-S3)
Terry McGrath: 8.84 pts (NSW)
Thermos Wave of The Day: Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart: 10.00 pts
For full results please visit LiveHeats.
Finals Day Of The BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships 2026
On March 29 the stage was set for a world-class Finals Day at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships presented by Forward Ability Support, with an international field of elite athletes ready to battle it out right out the front of site located at Middleton Street, Car Park in Byron Bay.
The world’s best adaptive surfers delivered a powerful display of elite performance on Finals Day at the 2026 BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships, with champions crowned across all divisions in front of a packed Byron Bay beachfront.
As the premier international event of the week, the BrightSky Pro saw athletes from across the globe rise to the occasion, showcasing the depth, progression and competitive standard of adaptive surfing at its highest level.
Jack Jackson. Credit: @samuelsmith.co
After a week of competition, connection and progression for the sport, the finals saw competitors from across Australia, Japan, USA, France, Wales and New Zealand go head-to-head in a series of highly anticipated title deciders.
From rising talent to world champions, the depth of the field reflects the rapid global growth of adaptive surfing — a sport gaining serious momentum on the international stage and building a strong case towards future Paralympic inclusion.
The opening heats set the tone early, with the Below Knee Standing (BKS) Men’s Final featuring Japan’s Kenjiro Ito, USA’s Shawnie Whitaker, Australia’s John Crampton and New Zealand’s Bruce Campbell in a tightly matched international showdown.
In the Prone Assist Women’s Final, Australia’s Annie Goldsmith faced France’s Céline Rouillard in a powerful head-to-head, while the Prone Assist Men’s division delivered one of the most stacked heats of the day, with Cliffo Gralton (AUS), Tomoki Fujiwara (JPN), Jesse Billauer (USA) and Lee Ferrier (AUS) all in contention.
Among the standout storylines of the week were Finn Banks (AUS) and Annie Goldsmith (AUS), who each secured victories across both major events — earning a coveted double crown.
Finn Banks, one of the youngest competitors in the field, first claimed victory at the Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Titles before backing it up with a commanding win in the BrightSky Pro BVI division. His composure, wave selection and scoring ability across both competitions mark him as one of the most exciting emerging talents in adaptive surfing.
Annie Goldsmith mirrored that success, winning her division at the Buildcare Titles before going on to claim the BrightSky Pro Prone Assist Women’s title. Her consistency across both national and international competition highlights the strength and depth of Australia’s female adaptive surfing contingent.
Credit: @alwayskeens_productions
Kenjiro Ito. Credit: @alwayskeens_productions
The Any Knee Kneeling & Upright (AKK) Men’s Final brought together some of the sport’s most recognised names, including Llywelyn ‘Sponge’ Williams (WAL), Masafumi Kobayashi (JPN) and Australia’s Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart, a multiple-time world champion and key figure in the sport’s global development.
Rounding out the early finals, the Sit / Waveski division saw Australia’s Michael Johnson and Richard Thomas take on USA’s Charles Webb and Jesse Hinson in a fast-paced and dynamic contest.
A day full of finals saw champions carried up the beach by their teammates in pure adulation, Michael Johnson. As the first stop of three on the AASP (Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals) World Tour, the Waveski / Sit division, sponsored by Waveski Adventurers, saw the defending champion deliver a commanding performance to take the win.
Richard Thomas, who won the Australian Para Surfing Waveski Titles just days earlier, took an early lead in the Final with a 6.00 ride in the challenging conditions. However, Johnson answered back quickly with his committed surfing, coming off the lip and charging closeout barrels on the shallow sandbank.
He ultimately left his fellow finalists behind with a heat total of 12.60, followed by Richard Thomas in second with 10.27, Jesse Hinson in third with 6.46, and AASP founder and visionary Charles Webb in fourth with 6.07.
With improving conditions expected and a full schedule of finals running throughout the day, the event was set to deliver a high-performance showcase of adaptive surfing at its very best and delivered just that.
Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships 2026 Results
Finals Day produced standout performances across every division, with the following athletes claiming international titles:
Kenjiro Ito (JPN) – Below Knee Standing
Laurie Phipps (FRA) – Below Knee Standing (Women)
Luciano Nem Silveria (BR) – Above Knee Standing
Llywelyn ‘Sponge’ Williams (WAL) – Any Knee Kneeling & Upright
Victoria Feige (CAN) – Any Knee Kneeling & Upright (Women)
Michael Johnson (AUS) – Sit / Waveski
Kirk Watson (AUS) – Blind / No Vision
Finn Banks (AUS) – Blind / Partial Vision Impaired
Aleli Medina (PUR) – Blind / No Vision & Blind / Partial Vision
Lee Ferrier (AUS) – Prone Assist
Annie Goldsmith (AUS) – Prone Assist (Women)
Laurie Foti (GBR) – Unassisted Prone (Women)
Kai Colless (AUS) – Unassisted Prone (Men)
Brendon Robson (AUS) – Open Prone
From dominant heat totals to tightly contested finals, the performances reflected a sport continuing to evolve in both depth and global competitiveness.
Llywelyn ‘Sponge’ Williams. Credit: @alwayskeens_productions
Waveski Finals Day Sequence
Credit: @alwayskeens_productions
.jpg?timestamp=1776456178454)
.jpg?timestamp=1776456146409)
.jpg?timestamp=1776456248689)
.jpg?timestamp=1776456304862)
.jpg?timestamp=1776456383413)