Surfing Australia is excited to announce the return of the NRMA Insurance Seas The Day for its fourth and biggest year running. The world’s largest female participation surf event will take place on June 20th and 21st at Kingscliff Beach in northern NSW.
In 2025, Seas The Day attracted a record crowd of more than 15,000 people, with free activities, inspirational talks, and workshops hosted by leading women in the surfing industry. Additionally, nearly 300 women and young girls took to the waves to compete in an inclusive tag-team surf contest, with divisions including para surfing, shortboarding, longboarding, and an under-14 mini-shredders division.
Surfing Australia officially launched the 2026 NRMA Insurance Seas The Day alongside newly announced Naming Rights Partner NRMA Insurance, extending their commitment to the event through to 2028.
Surfing Australia CEO Chris Symington and Chief of Sport & Partnerships Luke Madden joined NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison MP, NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin MP, Surfing NSW CEO Lucas Townsend, 1993 World Champion Pauline Menczer, and President of Bondi Boardriders Victoria Austin at NSW Parliament to celebrate the official launch of the 2026 festival.
Surfing Australia Chief Executive Officer, Chris Symington, said:
“It is a privilege to see the NRMA Insurance Seas The Day return to Kingscliff Beach for its fourth consecutive year.
“The event has become a key moment on the surfing calendar, reflecting the continued growth, strength and professionalism of women’s surfing in Australia. The strong levels of participation, community engagement and performance highlight the positive trajectory the sport is on.
“We are proud to welcome NRMA Insurance as naming rights partner for 2026. Their involvement will further elevate the event experience and support the continued development of women’s surfing in Australia.
“Surfing Australia also thanks the NSW Government for its ongoing support, which has been central to the event’s growth and success.”
Credit: Glenn Duffus Photography
The two-day event on the Tweed Coast will offer spectators a packed weekend of entertainment and experiences, including motivational speakers, live music, yoga, ice baths, breathwork sessions, food trucks, surfboard demo days and much more.
Beyond the action in and out of the water, NRMA Insurance Seas The Day continues to provide an inclusive and uplifting environment designed to encourage greater female participation, confidence and performance in sport. Bringing together surfers of all ages and abilities, the event celebrates community, connection and the continued growth of women’s surfing in Australia.
Eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore praised the incredible community this event has created:
“What I love is seeing women from all walks of life getting into surfing, from age five to well into their sixties. It’s such a great community. Events like this are so important because they celebrate every kind of female surfer—whether they’re competing, running a small surf brand, or just out there having a go. I’m stoked it’s all happening right here in Kingscliff.”
Returning to the festival in 2026, the Celebrity Surf Challenge will bring together world champions, Olympians, media personalities, and rising junior stars for some friendly competition in support of women in sport. Featuring elite athletes and influential women from across the sporting landscape, the event is set to be one of the standout moments of the weekend, adding even more energy and excitement to the NRMA Insurance Seas The Day.
Two-time Olympic Gold Medallist Shayna Jack competed in the Celebrity Surf Challenge in 2025, and reflected on the inspiring and uplifting environment after her heat:
“Today at seas the day, it was an uplifting and inspiring experience. Seeing the past, present and future of women’s surfing come together and celebrate empowerment in sport. Being a part of the relay was a lot of fun, not sure how strong my run leg was for the team but it was a heap of fun with lots of laughs and memories to cherish.”
Credit: Glenn Duffus Photography
Surfing Australia is proud to welcome NRMA Insurance as the naming rights partner through to 2028. Their involvement represents a significant step forward for the event, enhancing its delivery and overall experience, while supporting the continued development of women’s surfing in Australia.
NRMA Insurance Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Emily Roberts said:
“We’re proud to play a pivotal role in championing the Seas The Day event and spotlighting the impressive calibre of Australian women’s surfing talent on the global stage. From junior groms to seasoned veterans, NRMA Insurance is delighted to be supporting women of all ages to thrive in the sport and to be helping build stronger, more inclusive communities for the future of Australian surfing.”
Credit: Glenn Duffus Photography
Credit: Glenn Duffus Photography
The NRMA Insurance Seas The Day is proudly supported by the NSW Government, actively supporting female participation in surfing and will be supported by a $110,000 funding.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to helping more women and girls take part in and stay involved in sport across NSW.
Seas The Day is a fantastic opportunity for female surfers of all ages and abilities to compete or give surfing a go in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.
I encourage all female surfers, and anyone interested in surfing and wellness, to seize the day and be part of the world’s largest surfing event.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“The Minns Government is proud to support the wonderful Seas the Day festival as it goes from strength to strength in encouraging women and girls to participate in surfing and become part of a community and industry focused on health and wellbeing.
The festival plays an important role in providing a welcoming, pressure-free opportunity for women and girls of all ages to grab a board and enjoy the waves. Whether it be to compete, share waves with friends or to simply be in the water – surfing has so many benefits.
If you live in, or are planning on visiting the North Coast, I encourage you to head over to Kingscliff to cheer on the women and girls as they hit the waves.”
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
“The North Coast is the heart of Australian surfing, and I am thrilled to see Kingscliff once again take centre stage for the world’s largest women’s surfing festival.
“Our region has shown incredible resilience over the past year. Events like Seas The Day bring our community together while showcasing our world-class breaks to thousands of visitors who, in turn, provide a vital boost to our local businesses and regional economy.
I look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to our shores to witness the talent and passion of female surfers from across the country.”
About NRMA Insurance Seas The Day:
NRMA Insurance Seas The Day is the world’s largest female participation surf event that aims aims to encourage women of all skill levels to compete in a pressure-free environment. The festival features guest speakers, workshops, movie screenings, food trucks, live music, entertainment and more.
The contest is open to female surfers in the following divisions: Open Women’s Shortboard, Open Women’s Longboard, Under 18 Girls Shortboard, Under 14 Mini Shredders, and Para Surfing. The competition is a tag team format with three surfers in a team.
The 2026 NRMA Insurance Seas The Day Women’s Surf Festival is proudly supported by Ford Australia Babybel, Fujifilm Photos, Southern Cross University, Ampd Bros, Sodii Hydration, Ghanda Clothing, Thermos, Sambazon, BLACKROLL, Zuum Energy Gum, Surfers For Climate
The 2026 NRMA Insurance Seas the Day Women’s Surfing Festival is returning to Kingscliff, NSW with proud support from NSW Government, Office of Sport NSW and Tweed Shire Council
For more information, please visit seasthedaysurffestival.com.
Credit: Andy Morris / Surfing Australia
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