Australia’s biggest grassroots surfing series, the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB), is back for its 13th edition, bringing together the beating heart of Australian surfing: its boardriders clubs.
This year’s ABB Regional Series / Regional Qualifier events will run across every state, starting at Trigg Point, WA, this September before moving through NSW, VIC, TAS, SA and QLD. From iconic point breaks to raw beachies, qualifying rounds will showcase club pride and performance as teams fight for a spot in the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance, returning to the Gold Coast in March 2026—perfectly timed for Queensland’s swell season.
In a historic first, Cronulla Beach will host the NSW Sydney South Regional Qualifier, marking the debut of this world-famous stretch of sand on the ABB schedule.
Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said the series has never been stronger:
“The ABB is where Australia’s grassroots passion meets world-class competition. To launch the 13th season at Trigg Point, welcome Cronulla into the schedule for the very first time, and then finish at Burleigh in peak swell season—it’s everything that makes Australian surfing unique. The pride, the rivalries, the atmosphere—it all comes alive at the ABB.”
A National Stage, A Club Rivalry Like No Other
Since its inception, the ABB has built a reputation as one of the most exciting formats in world surfing. The series’ unique tag-team relay format sees club teams of five—comprising Open Men, Open Women, Junior, Masters, and a Power Surfer—race the clock, with each surfer catching their scoring waves before sprinting up the beach to tag the next teammate. Strategy, endurance, and surf skill combine to create some of the most intense and dramatic heats in competitive surfing.
A format like no other. Bungan Boardriders' Milla Brown. Credits: Ethan Smith/ Surfing Australia
Freshwater Boardriders' Layne Beachley during the 12th ABB. Credits: Andy Morris / Surfing Australia
It’s a stage where former World Champions like Layne Beachley, Joel Parkinson and Taj Burrow, and Olympians such as Owen Wright and Ruby Trew, come up against Australia’s rising juniors and current professionals. The mix of experience and youth, legends and future stars, makes every heat more than just a contest—it’s a true battle for club pride and community.
Last year’s ABB Grand Final saw North Shore Boardriders (NSW) claim national glory in front of a packed Burleigh Heads crowd, cementing their place as one of the most formidable clubs in the country. They’ll return in 2026 as defending champions, with powerhouse clubs from across Australia gunning to take them down.
Burleigh Heads: The Ultimate Grand Final
The Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is confirmed for March 2026 at iconic Burleigh Heads, one of surfing’s great natural amphitheatres. Expect world-class waves, a purpose-built competition layout and unmatched headland energy for competitors and spectators alike.
2025/26 ABB Regional Qualifier Schedule
WA – Trigg Point – September 13/14, 2025
NSW North – Coffs Harbour – September 20, 2025
VIC – Phillip Island – October 5, 2025
QLD – Sunshine Coast – October 11, 2025
SA – Fleurieu Peninsula – October 18, 2025
TAS – Scamander – October 25,2025
NSW South – Cronulla (new) – November 1, 2025
NSW Central – North Narrabeen – November 8, 2025
North Narrabeen Boardriders Club's Nathan Hedge. Photo: Ethan Smith / Surfing Australia
About the Australian Boardriders Battle
The Australian Boardriders Battle is Australia’s biggest grassroots surfing series, involving over 80 boardrider clubs in eight state qualifying rounds before culminating in the epic Grand Final showdown. The event has been instrumental in strengthening club culture, fostering future champions, and celebrating Australia’s deep connection with surfing. The 2025 Australian Boardriders Battle Regional Series is proudly supported by NRMA Insurance, ACCIONA, Jim Beam, Celsius Energy Drinks, Kennards Hire, Boost Mobile, BC™ Protein Snacks, BLACKROLL, Zuum Energy Gum and Surfers for Climate.
The 2026 ABB Gold Coast Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
About Australian Boardrider clubs
There are more than 250 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads. The boardrider club phenomenon in Australia has made a significant contribution to the nation's competitive success on the global stage, fostering close-knit communities that support young surfers on their journeys to becoming the next world champions.
Full schedule, dates and further info: www.australianboardridersbattle.com
ABB finals 12th Edition - a community of boardrider clubs and surfers coming together from all over Australia. Photo: Andy Morris / Surfing Australia