Surfing Australia and NRMA Insurance expand partnership to support grassroots and women’s surfing

Published on 27/08/2025

Surfing Australia and NRMA Insurance are proud to announce the expansion of their partnership to further support the growth of Australian surfing – from inspiring young surfers and strengthening grassroots clubs to creating more opportunities for women across the sport and industry.

Under a new three-year agreement, NRMA Insurance is the proud platinum partner of SurfGroms, Teen Groms, Seas The Day, and the RISE Women’s Program – Surfing Australia’s most popular participation initiatives. The partnership reflects a significant step toward building an inclusive, resilient, and thriving surfing culture across the country.  

The new partnerships builds on NRMA Insurance’s existing role as presenting partner of the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final and continues the brand’s positioning as A Help Company. 

Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said, “This expanded partnership marks a huge step forward for grassroots and women’s surfing in Australia. NRMA Insurance has shown they’re not just investing in events; they’re investing in people and communities. From young groms learning water safety for the first time, to women stepping into the surf community with confidence, this support is helping us build a stronger, more inclusive future for Australian surfing.” 

NRMA Insurance SurfGroms at Byron Bay Image: Andy Morris / Surfing Australia

NRMA Insurance’s expanded partnership directly supports Surfing Australia’s key participation pillars: 

·       NRMA Insurance Seas The Day: The world’s largest women’s participation surf festival, held annually at Kingscliff, NSW. The event offers a pressure-free competition environment for women of all ages and abilities, free surf lessons, and a vibrant festival line-up designed to educate, empower and celebrate women across the surfing industry—through leadership panels, wellness workshops, and art showcases. 

·       NRMA Insurance RISE Women’s Program: A strategic initiative aimed at increasing female representation in surfing, through boardrider club development, coaching pathways, and leadership mentoring.  

·       NRMA Insurance SurfGroms: The national junior development program offering fun, safe learn-to-surf experiences for kids aged 5–12. The program equips children with essential surf safety skills while fostering a love and respect for the ocean. Building on this foundation, the NRMA Insurance Teen Groms High School program helps students aged 12–16 advance their surfing ability and ocean awareness.

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Partnerships and Business Excellence Luke Farrell said, “Our broadened partnership with Surfing Australia enables NRMA Insurance to reach new audiences and make a real impact – fostering active lifestyles and equipping young participants with vital safety skills while creating inclusive opportunities for women across the sport. 

“Surfing plays a pivotal role in building meaningful connections in local regions throughout the country, an important foundation in building stronger, safer and more resilient communities. NRMA Insurance is pleased to be able to help fuel the continued growth of the sport and the next wave of Australia’s surfing superstars,” he said.  

With more than 250 boardrider clubs nationwide, thousands of children enrolled in SurfGroms, and a growing demand for female-focused programs, this expanded partnership will play a meaningful role in shaping the future of surfing in Australia. 

In addition to the naming rights properties, NRMA Insurance will continue as presenting partner of the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final (ABB)—Australia’s premier club surfing competition—and as supporting partner of the ABB NSW Regional Qualifiers in Narrabeen, Coffs Harbour and Cronulla.  

For more information, visit: 

·       Surfing Australia: https://surfingaustralia.com 

·       SurfGroms: https://www.surfgroms.com  

·       Seas The Day: https://seasthedaysurffestival.com  

·       RISE Program: https://surfingaustralia.com/playourway 

·       Australian Boardriders Battle: https://australianboardridersbattle.com 

Olympic bronze medallist & father Owen Wright giving back to our groms with surf tips & teaching the importance of water safety. Image: Andy Morris / Surfing Australia

About Surfing Australia:
Surfing Australia is the governing body for surfing in Australia, committed to developing and promoting the sport at all levels. From grassroots participation programs to elite performance pathways & Olympic Games, we strive to inspire and engage surfers across the country. Our purpose is to create a healthier and happier Australia through surfing. Visit surfingaustralia.com to learn more about our history, our strategic pillars and what we deliver to Australia’s surfing community.

About NRMA Insurance: A Help Company  
A Help Company NRMA Insurance is Australia’s most trusted insurance brand*, helping more than 3 million Australians protect what matters. Help has been at the heart of NRMA Insurance since its beginnings in 1925 as a member-only company that provided motor insurance policies to the first drivers in NSW. NRMA Insurance has grown to become a national brand that helps people protect their cars, homes and businesses. It has a proud history of working with communities to build their resilience against extreme weather and keep people safer on the road. NRMA Insurance helps Australians understand their local risks and prepare for extreme weather through its Help Nation initiative.   

NRMA Insurance is backed by IAG, Australia and New Zealand’s largest general insurer.    

*Roy Morgan Most Trusted Brands 2024    

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