Surfing Australia welcomes new partner, Kennards Hire to Hyundai ABB

Surfing Australia is thrilled to announce Kennards Hire as the Official Major Equipment Hire Partner on a two-year deal for the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) to support grassroots boardrider clubs.

Surfing Australia Chief of Sport – Events, Participation & Community, Luke Madden, said: “We are excited to announce our new partnership with Kennards Hire, an iconic Australian brand. Both Kennards Hire and Surfing Australia are family-oriented organisations committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting the next generation of surfers. This collaboration will enhance the grassroots boardrider experience at the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle, from regional events to the Grand Final. We are excited to see how this partnership will contribute to the growth of Australian surfing.”

Matt Hardy, General Manager QLD at Kennards Hire, shared his excitement about the partnership: “Kennards Hire and Surfing Australia are both iconic Australian brands, well-regarded by surfers and tradies alike. Many of our tradie customers are avid surfers who embrace the sport as a favourite pastime. We’re excited to support Surfing Australia by providing essential equipment for the events, helping to create exceptional experiences for everyone involved.”

“At Kennards Hire, we believe in community, innovation, and excellence—values that Surfing Australia upholds. Through this partnership, we’re committed to fostering a spirit of adventure and supporting Australians in achieving their best,” Mr Hardy said.

The twelfth season of the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series kicks off on September 14 at Trigg Beach in Western Australia.

The series will travel to all corners of the country with events to be held at Coffs Harbour (NSW), Phillip Island (VIC), the Sunshine Coast (QLD), Fleurieu Peninsula (SA), Clifton Beach (TAS), Wollongong (NSW), North Narrabeen (NSW) and Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast (QLD) for the Grand Final, which is the biggest surfing event in the country.

Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle:
In what is the biggest club surfing series in the world, the Hyundai ABB pits the best boardrider clubs from each state against one another in an epic nine-leg surfing battle that culminates in a world-renowned Grand Final where Australia’s best boardrider club is decided.

Club surfing is where many of our Olympic and Championship Tour athletes started their own surfing journey, with the likes of Joel Parkinson, Danny Wills, Jay Thompson, Josh Kerr, Ace Buchan, Stephanie Gilmore, Tyler & Owen Wright and Sophie McCulloch having competed in previous years, as well as Challenger Series and Qualifying Series athletes.

2024/25 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12:

• Event 1 – ABB WA – 14th Sept – Trigg Beach, WA
• Event 2 – ABB NSW North – 28th Sept – Coffs Harbour, NSW
• Event 3 – ABB VIC – 6th Oct – Phillip Island, VIC 
• Event 4 – ABB QLD -12th Oct – Sunshine Coast, QLD
• Event 5 – ABB South Aus – 19th Oct – Fleurieu Peninsula, SA
• Event 6 – ABB Tas – 26th Oct – Clifton Beach, TAS
• Event 7 – ABB NSW South – 2nd Nov – Wollongong, NSW
• Event 8 – ABB NSW Central – 9th Nov – North Narrabeen, NSW
• Grand Final – 8th – 9th Mar – Burleigh Heads, QLD (entry by qualification)

About Kennards Hire:
Kennards Hire is an Australian family-owned and operated company that has been in the hire industry for 75 years, with over 200 sites and branches across Australia and New Zealand. Since 1948, its product range extends from general hire equipment for the home renovator and professional tradesperson to specialist equipment and heavy machinery used on some of the largest civil infrastructure and commercial construction projects in two countries. Proud member of Family Business Australia & New Zealand, Member of Hire & Rental Industry Australia and Hire Industry Association New Zealand and Premium Partner of Sydney Football Club. kennards.com.au.

About Australian Boardrider Clubs:
There are more than 230 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. The boardrider club phenomenon in Australia has made a significant contribution to the nation’s competitive success on the global stage, fostering close-knit communities that support young surfers on their journeys to becoming the next World Champions.

Surfing Australia last year expanded the Grand Final format to include 42 boardrider clubs (previously 24) from across Australia, with more than $115, 000 in total prize money up for grabs throughout the series.

The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series is proudly supported by naming partner Hyundai and support partners Jim Beam, ACCIONA, Ruffie Rustic Foods, BC™ Protein Bars, Kennards Hire, Oakley, Dometic, Boost Mobile, Blackroll and Surfers for Climate.  

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

For more information, please visit australianboardridersbattle.com.