Para Surfing Reaches New Heights: 2026 Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Titles Presented By Siblingscare.

Twelve Australian Para Surfing Champions have been crowned at the 2026 BuildCare Australian Para Surfing Titles Presented by SiblingsCare. In an inspiring showcase of courage, perseverance, and athletic excellence, the event showcases the continued growth and development of adaptive surfing in Australia. 

BuildCare Australian Para Surfing Titles Presented by SiblingsCare brings together para surfers from across the country to compete across multiple divisions, forming a key component of the official selection pathway for athletes aiming to qualify for ‘The Irukandjis’ ahead of the 2026 ISA World Para Surfing Championships.

At the forefront of the event was 6X World Adaptive Surfing Champion and Byron Bay local, Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart (NSW). As both an event visionary and a competitor, ‘Mono’ continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of adaptive surfing in Australia. His campaign in 2026 added another chapter to an already decorated career, securing his eighth Australian Para Surfing Title. Stewart delivered a perfect 10-point ride for a long-running barrel in the closing seconds of the Thermos Para Surfing Kneel Men’s Final, earning himself the win and the Thermos Wave of the Day Award.

“It’s my home break, so I already had the wave in mind. There wasn’t long left, and when the right one came, I went. I was deep in the barrel for a while, maybe got a little greedy, but I knew I had to come out of it, so I quickly made an exit!”

“I look forward to this event every year. It brings everyone together. Having the international para event alongside the Australian Surfing Titles gives local athletes a chance to show the world what they’ve got before the international competition begins.”

— Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart.

One of the most competitive matchups of the event unfolded between two of Australia’s top male para surfers, Joel Taylor (NSW) and Kai Colless (QLD), in the Prone 1 Men’s Final. Taylor, a 2X World Adaptive Surfing Champion, secured the 2026 Australian title in a closely contested final, scoring an 8.83 with another long, draining barrel to flip the final heat. Known for his ability to produce under pressure, Taylor’s recent form includes a victory at the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championships, where he scored a perfect 10-point ride.

Pushing him throughout the event was 4X World Champion, Kai Colless, who finished runner-up. Colless remains one of the most progressive and dynamic surfers on the circuit, with his performances continuing to attract attention following his viral 10-point ride at the 2025 ISA World Championships, where he placed second. The rivalry between Taylor and Colless reflects the increasing depth at the top level of the sport, with both athletes playing key roles in Australia’s international success as members of The Irukandjis.

“I was really hunting the barrels out there, and I was stoked to get one. The surf turned it on for us! It’s such an honour to be representing Team Australia and the Irukandjis again at the ISA World Championships.”

“The close competition between the guys in the Prone 1 is really important for the development of our division, and Para Surfing as a whole. We each push one another to improve heading into every event.” 

— Joel Taylor.

Among the emerging talents, Annie Goldsmith’s (SA) rise continued in 2026, with the 2025 Australian Para Surfer of the Year claiming her first national title in the Prone 2 Women’s Final. Goldsmith has already established herself within the national team, having represented Australia internationally since the age of 15. Her progression through the ranks has been marked by consistent performances at the ISA level, and her national title signals a significant step forward in her competitive career.

“Winning an Australian title feels so special. It’s so cool to be able to represent Australia in the Irukandjis! I love being a part of the para surfing community, we all support one another, and we’re all working together to have adaptive surfing included in the Paralympic Games. It’s not just one person working towards that goal, it’s all of us who will help to get it there!” 

— Annie Goldsmith.

In the Para Surfing Visual Impairment 2 division, Finn Banks (NSW) delivered one of the standout stories of the event, claiming victory with a commanding 13.67 heat total. Competing in his first-ever Australian Para Surfing Championships, Banks showed composure beyond his experience, showcasing outstanding surfing on his backhand to take out the final, further highlighting the increasing standard and growing number of new names across adaptive divisions.

“It feels amazing to be the Australian Champion. This is my first time here, and my first time ever competing in the Australian Para Surfing Championships. I can’t believe I’ll be representing Australia as an Irukandji!”

— Finn Banks.

4X World Para Surfing Champion, best-selling author, and motivational speaker, Sam Bloom (NSW), once again showcased her class, claiming her fourth Australian Para Surfing Title. Well-known for her major motion Biopic ‘Penguin Bloom’, Sam is an inspirational figure in adaptive sport. Bloom’s presence in the event continues to extend beyond competition, using her profile to help bring broader visibility to adaptive sport. 

The influx of new talent at the Australian Para Surfing Titles demonstrates the expanding reach and influence of adaptive surfing, elevating the competition to new heights and setting the stage for future champions to emerge. 

As the sport continues to grow, the Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Titles, presented by Siblingscare, remains a key platform for showcasing talent, building experience, and elevating the profile of adaptive surfing in Australia, as the sport works towards its inclusion in the Paralympic Games.

FINALS RESULTS

Thermos Para Surfing Kneel Men (PS-K)

1. Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart: 16.33 pts (NSW)
2. Toby Begg: 9.17 pts (NSW)
3. Michael Foti: 5.53 pts (NSW)
4. John Maclean: 2.60 pts (NSW)
    

Thermos Para Surfing Kneel Women (PS-K)

1. Emma Dieters: 8.00 pts (NSW)
2. Victoria Pendergast: 5.34 pts (NSW)

Para Surfing Sit (PS-S)

1. Richard Thomas: 15.20 pts (QLD)
2. Michael Johnson: 12.17 pts (NSW)

Ford Australia Para Surfing Prone 1 Men (PS-P1)

1. Joel Taylor: 17.83 pts (NSW)
2. Kai Colless: 13.06 pts (NSW)
3. Jay Stevens: 7.47 pts (WA)
4. Max Devery: 7.30 pts (NSW)
5. Timothy Hanley: 1.33 pts (NSW)

Para Surfing Prone 1 Women (PS-P1)

1. Sam Bloom: 2.60 pts (NSW)
2. Grace Kennedy: 2.00 pts (NSW)

Para Surfing Prone 2 Men (PS-P2)

1. Cliff Gralton: 13.50 pts (NSW)
2. Jack Curphey: 13.10 pts (QLD)
3. Lee Ferrier: 9.96 pts (NSW)
4. Bailey Van Den Hooven: 8.80 pts (NSW)

Para Surfing Prone 2 Women (PS-P2)

1. Annie Goldsmith: 11.33 pts (SA)

Para Surfing Visual Impairment 1 (PS-VI1)

1. Steve Fox: 11.83 pts (NSW)
2. Kirk Watson: 8.34 pts (NSW)
    

Para Surfing Visual Impairment 2 (PS-VI2)

1. Finn Banks: 13.67 pts (NSW)
2. Jack Jackson: 7.24 pts (NSW)
3. Daniel Twomey: 4.40 pts (NSW)

Para Surfing Stand 1 (PS-S1) / Para Surfing Stand 2 (PS-S2) / Para Surfing Stand 3 (PS-S3)

1. Lachlan James: 11.17 pts (NSW)
2. Terry McGrath: 9.94 pts (NSW)
3. Craig McFadden: 9.14 pts (NSW)
4. John Campton: 8.83 pts (NSW)

Thermos Wave of The Day: Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart: 10.00 pts

For full results please visit LiveHeats.