The Longest Running Event on the Australian Surfing Calendar Returns!

More than 200 of Australia’s best longboarders will converge on the Tweed Coast later this month as the 2026 Thermos Australian Longboard Titles return for a third consecutive year, bringing together three generations of surfers in Australia’s longest-running national surfing championship.

Running from 24–30 July, the event will see competitors from every surfing state battle for Australian titles across junior, open and masters divisions, with competition locations between Duranbah Beach and Hastings Point to make the most of varying conditions.

From Under-18 rising stars to Over-70 legends, the Australian Longboard Titles remain one of the only events in the country where an athlete’s entire competitive pathway is showcased on the same stage.

The event also carries significant international stakes, with the Open Men’s and Open Women’s champions earning selection into the Irukandjis, Australia’s national surfing team, and qualifying for the ISA World Longboard Championships.

Defending Open champions Emma Perrier (NSW) and Josh Constable (QLD) both return looking to defend their crowns after standout performances in 2025.

Perrier claimed her maiden Australian title by just 0.30 points over Victoria’s Melanie Staunton in one of the closest finals in recent history, securing her first Irukandjis selection, while Constable once again demonstrated why he remains one of Australia’s most accomplished longboarders.

Despite returning as defending champion, Perrier knows nothing is guaranteed.

“Being a defending champion doesn’t mean too much when there are so many amazing women surfing and it feels like each year everyone is getting better and better. I’ll just keep doing my thing and hopefully can do well again,” Perrier said.

“The atmosphere is always really special. It’s cool to represent your state and have everyone behind you. It’s different to other competitions.”

Josh Constable returns to the Australian Longboard Titles chasing back-to-back national crowns, but says sharing the event with his family is what makes the week truly special. This year, Constable will once again compete alongside his son, Jive, who will contest the Under-18 division, with the pair aiming to create history as the first father and son to simultaneously hold Australian Open and Under-18 longboard titles.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to the Tweed Coast. It’s such a great time of year with a great variety of waves,” Constable said.

“These events are really special because I get to travel with my wife, Anna, and watch my son Jive compete in the Under-18s and chase his goal of becoming Australian Junior Champion. Hopefully I can defend my Open title and, together, we can become the first father and son to hold the Australian Open and Under-18 titles at the same time. That would be something really special to share as a family.”

 
One of the event’s most inspiring competitors is Sian Adnam (VIC), who only discovered surfing in her 60s after being inspired by her daughter, Sophie. Three years ago, she entered her first Victorian State Titles after being encouraged to fill an empty division. Now she returns to the Australian Longboard Titles, proving it’s never too late to start something new—or end up competing at a national level.

“What inspired me to surf was a girl who encouraged me to enter the State Titles three years ago because there was literally nobody who had put their hand up. I was buoyed by the fact I didn’t come last and I didn’t drown!!! All positive.”

“Most of all it was the look in Sophie’s eye whenever she spoke about it or came in from a surf… it was a look of utter joy and an unmistakable spiritual connection with the ocean. I had to find out for myself.”

Surfing quickly became a major part of her life.

“Surfing has utterly changed my life. I feel like a grom whenever I paddle out. It’s the most challenging sport I’ve done and it’s given me a new respect for an ocean I can never control.”

Now competing at the Australian Longboard Titles, Sian says the experience remains something she’s proud of.

“I am proud of myself surfing at this age… that’s why it’s never too late to challenge yourself in the surf. Never too late to try something new. I surf with women way older than me and they rip… totally inspiring.”

Among those chasing national success is Queensland surfer Clinton Guest (QLD), a member of the 2025 Australian Longboard Surfing Team (The Irukandjis) who will celebrate a remarkable milestone at this year’s event.

“This year’s event is especially meaningful as it marks my 20th Australian Titles,” Guest said.

“The Australian Titles have always pushed me to improve my surfing and test myself against the best. Over the years I’ve made lifelong friendships through these events, and every year feels like a reunion.”

Gold Coast siblings Luana and Hosea Silva (QLD) will be sharing the national stage after more than a decade of surfing together. Returning as the defending Under-18 Women’s Australian Champion, Luana will look to defend her title while her younger brother chases his own breakthrough performance

“Returning as the defending Under-18 Women’s Australian Champion definitely brings a bit of extra pressure, but it’s also a great opportunity to prove myself again and hopefully back up last year’s result,” Luana said.

For both siblings, the Australian Longboard Titles remains a highlight of the year because of the shared experience and support within the event environment.

“Being close in age means we’re able to push each other and help each other improve. It’s pretty special to have someone to share all the experiences, achievements and challenges that come with surfing,” Luana said.

Hosea said competing alongside his sister has made every Australian Titles campaign more meaningful.

“We’ve spent so many years surfing together, so being able to experience the highs and lows of competition side by side makes the event even more special. We love competing against each other, supporting one another and celebrating each other’s successes along the way.”

With history on its side, the future on the rise, and ISA qualification up for grabs, the Thermos Australian Longboard Titles continue to set the benchmark for longboard surfing in Australia.

As generations of surfers converge on the Tweed Coast to write the next chapter in this iconic event’s rich history, it promises not only standout performances, but the kind of memories and friendships that define a lifetime in the water.