SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND (10 October 2026) Burleigh Boardriders have claimed victory at the Queensland Regional Qualifier of the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB), taking out the title in a thrilling showdown at Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast.
The fourth stop of the regional series brought together 16 of Queensland’s premier boardrider clubs for the one-day qualifier, with eight spots in the 2027 NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final up for grabs.
The event attracted an impressive line-up of surfing talent, including eight-time World Champion Mick Fanning and former Championship Tour surfer Dean ‘Dingo’ Morrison, alongside Queensland’s rising juniors and established local talent. With fun 2 to 3-foot shorebreak waves on offer, Coolum Beach provided the perfect setting for a day of exciting club-versus-club competition.
Three-time World Champion Mick Fanning competing for Kirra Surfriders Club at the Australian Boardriders Battle Queensland Regional Qualifier.
Credit: Sebastian Rios / Surfing Queensland
SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND (10 October 2026) Burleigh Boardriders have claimed victory at the Queensland Regional Qualifier of the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB), taking out the title in a thrilling showdown at Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast.
The fourth stop of the regional series brought together 16 of Queensland’s premier boardrider clubs for the one-day qualifier, with eight spots in the 2027 NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final up for grabs.
The event attracted an impressive line-up of surfing talent, including eight-time World Champion Mick Fanning and former Championship Tour surfer Dean ‘Dingo’ Morrison, alongside Queensland’s rising juniors and established local talent. With fun 2 to 3-foot shorebreak waves on offer, Coolum Beach provided the perfect setting for a day of exciting club-versus-club competition.
Heat one action in the start gate.
Credit: Matt Simon / Surfing Queensland
Surfing Queensland Contest Director Chris Rogers said the event highlighted the important role boardrider clubs play in shaping Australia’s surfing culture and bringing local communities together.
“We love supporting our boardrider clubs. This event is a special one for us because it brings all the clubs together and puts the focus on team spirit. It’s been great working alongside Surfing Australia to make this happen.”
Burleigh Boardriders set the pace early through Rico Haybittle, who combined a well-timed aerial with a series of clean turns to post an impressive 8.17 and put his club in a strong position. Snapper Rocks Surfriders Club responded with a series of solid scores, while Kawana Boardriders remained firmly in contention as the final unfolded.
With the Queensland Regional Title on the line, Haybittle delivered when it mattered most, posting a crucial 5.79 in the closing stages to help secure the victory for Burleigh Boardriders.
Boost Mobile Wave of the Day winner Rico Haybittle (Burleigh Boardriders)
Credit: Matt Simon / Surfing Queensland
Burleigh Boardriders president Jesse Outram said the result was particularly rewarding after the club faced an early setback.
“A huge thanks to Surfing Queensland and Surfing Australia. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. We just lost the first heat and almost got knocked out, then to win it. Thanks to all the clubs that came up here. What a great day and team.”
Three-time World Champion Mick Fanning also competed at the event, representing Kirra Surfriders Club and reflecting on the important role the club played throughout his early surfing career.
“I remember being a kid and going down for the ABB, doing road trips, you know, it was so fun. They’ve supported me not only through surfing but through life as well.”
Haybittle’s 8.17 also earned him the Boost Mobile Wave of the Day award, while Taj Stokes (Kawana Boardriders Club) was recognised as the Celsius Overall Performer for his standout performances throughout the event.
Noosa Boardriders Club providing the energy from the beach.
Credit: Matt Simon / Surfing Queensland
The top eight clubs from the Queensland Regional Qualifier have secured their places at the 2027 NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final, which will return to Burleigh Heads on 13 and 14 March 2027.
Queensland qualifying boardrider clubs:
- Burleigh Boardriders
- Kawana Boardriders Club
- Snapper Rocks Surfriders Club
- Kirra Surfriders Club
- North End Boardriders Club
- Noosa Boardriders Club
- Coolum Boardriders Club
- North Shore Boardriders Club
2026 ABB Regional Qualifier Schedule
- WA – Trigg – September 12/13, 2026
- NSW Central – Northern Beaches – September 19, 2026
- VIC – Phillip Island – October 4, 2026
- QLD – Sunshine Coast – October 10, 2026
- SA – Fleurieu Peninsula – October 17, 2026
- TAS – Scamander – October 24, 2026
- NSW South – Cronulla – October 31, 2026
- NSW North – Tweed Coast – November 7, 2026
Full schedule, dates and further info: australianboardridersbattle.com
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 2026 Australian Boardriders Battle Regional Series is proudly supported by Ford , Babybel, Celsius, Safestyle, Fujifilm Photos, Southern Cross University, Ampd Bros, St Ali, Boost Mobile, Blackroll, Surfers for Climate
This Surfing Australia event series is delivered in partnership with the state branches, Surfing WA, Surfing NSW, Surfing VIC, Surfing QLD, Surfing SA and Surfing TAS.
This Surfing Australia event series is delivered in partnership with the state branches, Surfing WA, Surfing NSW, Surfing VIC, Surfing QLD, Surfing SA and Surfing TAS.
The 2027 NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
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