Introducing the 2026 NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final

Welcome to the big dance: The 2026 NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final.

Australia’s biggest most exciting club surfing competition is set to return to Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast on March 7-8 2026, following two incredible editions in 2024 and 2025 that captivated audiences and competitors across the nation.

From September to November 2025, more than 80 of the nation’s top boardrider clubs went head-to-head through eight state qualifying rounds at some of Australia’s most iconic beaches, all chasing a spot in the prestigious 2026 NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final.

Now, on 7–8 March 2026, 42 qualified clubs will converge on Burleigh Heads to battle for national glory, substantial prize money, and the ultimate bragging rights. Only one will be crowned the Series 13 Champion and earn the title of Australia’s best boardrider club.

A FORMAT LIKE NO OTHER

“This is, by far, the best event in surfing” – Stab Magazine/Chris Binns

The NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final is renowned for its exciting and unique format, where club teams of five—comprising Open Men, Open Women, Junior, Masters, and a Power Surfer—compete in a tag-team relay style event. Strategy, endurance, and surf prowess combine to create some of the most intense and dramatic heats seen in competitive surfing.

With extended heat times to accommodate the challenging Burleigh rock jump into the ocean, the 500m sprint up Burleigh Hill, and a field stacked with past, present, and future World Surf League (WSL) stars, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown at one of Australia’s most iconic right-hand point breaks.

Surfing legend, Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, who has lived on the Gold Coast all his life, reflected after the first Grand Final was held in Burleigh in 2024:

“All our point breaks are world famous and we’re blessed to live here really.

“Burleigh is the king today and I tell you what it’s merciless. There’s always been a run element in the ABB but this year is just next level. You have to have some ironman qualities about you and it’s a big test for everyone.

“Club surfing is really an institution in Australia. A lot of clubs here are 60 years old plus. Surfers representing their club is a big deal. Some surfers seriously grow a foot taller when they put their club colours on.”

2025: A GRAND FINAL FOR THE AGES

Last year’s ABB Grand Final made history at Burleigh Heads. It delivered thrilling upsets, world-class performances, and unforgettable moments, cementing its reputation as one of the most exciting events on the surfing calendar. The event attracted surfing icons such as Owen and Mikey Wright, Layne Beachley, Josh Kerr, Macy Callaghan, Morgan Cibilic, Hughie Vaughan and many more alongside Australia’s rising stars in a true display of club spirit and camaraderie.

Olympic bronze medalist surfer, Owen Wright, said:

“The Olympic medal pressure was pretty big, but the boardrider club pressure is right up there! When it’s your hometown and all your mates are out in the water, you really feel it. There’s something about it that fires me up. I started surfing in my boardrider club when I was about eight, and with this format—the ABB—the club spirit really comes alive. For Culburra to win this event in 2018 was incredible; the club went absolutely mad. It means so much to the town and the community.”

Contest Director, Glen Elliott, said:

“We’ll see some of the world’s best surfing talent with juniors coming up against ex-pros and legends of our sport. This is the unique aspect of this event. Imagine surfing a heat with former world champions and your surfing heroes.”

The final was a nail-biting battle between North Shore, Torquay, and Merewether, keeping the crowd on edge as the heat came down to the last exchange of NRMA Insurance Power Surfers.

North Shore Boardriders Club held their nerve and delivered consistent, high-scoring performances from all five surfers to claim victory for the second time, cementing North Shore’s legacy in Australian surfing history and showcasing the club’s exceptional depth of talent, team strategy, and community pride.

North Shore Boardriders Club Power Surfer, Alister Reginato, spoke on what it felt like to win the event two times:

“It’s wild, the first time was unbelievable but it’s a little more special doing it here at Burleigh. This afternoon has been unbelievable, the team finally put a great heat together and everyone did amazing. The second time is pretty surreal!”

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026

With an ever-refined and expanded event site, and several new clubs set to compete at Burleigh for the first time, the 2026 Grand Final is shaping up to be the biggest one yet!

Once again, local clubs will be strong contenders, but they’ll face fierce competition from powerhouse teams such as Avoca, Coffs Harbour, Margaret River, Queenscliff, Phillip Island, and many more — all with their sights firmly set on claiming the national title. See all 42 qualified clubs HERE.

Spectators can expect:

• Live action from Australia’s best surfers competing in the country’s most prestigious club competition.
• On-site activations, live DJ sets, food trucks, and the Jim Beam public bar creating a festival-like atmosphere.
• Meet and greet with Olympians, Surfing Legends and World Champions
• A record number of activations and give away prizes for attendees to win at the event.

For more information, please head to: https://australianboardridersbattle.com/

The 2026 NRMA Insurance Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final is proudly supported by ACCIONA, Babybel, Jim Beam, CELSIUS, Kennards Hire, Boost Mobile, Fujifilm Photos, Better Beer, Daiwa Australia, BC™ Protein Snacks, We Are Feel Good Inc, BLACKROLL, Murf Electric Bikes, the Burleigh Pavilion,  Zuum Energy Gum and Surfers for Climate. 

The 2026 NRMA Insurance ABB Gold Coast Grand Final is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.