Rip Curl GromSearch International Final Heads to Narrabeen: runs November 7-10
On Friday September 11 it was announced that the wave-rich region of Narrabeen will be the official location for the prestigious 2026 Rip Curl GromSearch International Final covered by Sun Bum, to be held from November 7 – 10, 2026.
The Final will bring together the world’s best U16 surfers to battle it out for the title of International Champion, following a year of GromSearch events scouring the globe for the next generation of surfing talent.
Also in attendance will be Rip Curl surfing royalty, 3x World Champion Mick Fanning, 2x World Champion and local legend Damian Hardman, and iconic Hawaiian free surfer Mason Ho, with more to be announced.
With the International Final moving to a new location each year, Narrabeen follows Hossegor, France, in 2025 and Canggu, Bali, in 2024. The event’s return to Australia marks the first time the country has hosted the Final since Bells Beach in 2023.
“We’re so stoked to bring the International Final back to Australia, and Narrabeen couldn’t be a better stage to showcase the world’s best up-and-coming talent,” said Angus Forrest, Rip Curl’s Sports Marketing Manager.
“The Rip Curl GromSearch has been a launching pad for some of surfing’s biggest names, with former Champions going on to win World Titles and Olympic medals. It’s a huge opportunity for these young surfers to compete on the international stage, while sharing an unforgettable experience with other surfers from all over the world.”
Across each major region, junior surfers compete through a series of events throughout the year. The winners of each region’s National Final ultimately earn a coveted spot representing their country on the international stage.
The event will feature 16 competitors, eight female and eight male, representing Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Europe, Indonesia, North America, South Africa and more. Additionally, one male and one female wildcard will be added from the local Northern Beaches region.
The Rip Curl GromSearch has been running since 1999, and its track record speaks for itself:
• 2026 WSL World Tour: Over 60% of current CT athletes are former GromSearch winners.
• Olympics: Five of the six medallists at the last two Olympic Games competed in Rip Curl GromSearch.
• WSL World Champions: The last 19 WSL Women’s World Titles have been won by GromSearch finalists.
Past winners include WSL World Champions Caitlin Simmers, Caroline Marks, and Gabriel Medina. Other legendary winners include Championship Tour surfers Erin Brooks, Brisa Hennessy, Samuel Pupo, Leonardo Fioravanti, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Owen Wright, and one of the most stylish free surfers on the planet, Mason Ho, among many, many more.
Surf fans will be able to watch the event broadcast live and free around the globe on Rip Curl’s YouTube account. Further details to follow.
The Rip Curl International GromSearch is proudly covered by Sun Bum and supported by Ritual Vision and Fatboy Bikes.
About Rip Curl
Founded in Torquay, Australia, in 1969, Rip Curl remains a company built by surfers for surfers. Regarded as The Ultimate Surfing Company, for over 50 years Rip Curl has endeavoured to make the best products, run the best events, support the best athletes, deliver the best customer service, and have the best crew of people. The Search is the driving force that led to the creation of Rip Curl, and it lives in the spirit of everything the Rip Curl crew do.
