Surfing New South Wales is proud to announce the 2026 Surfboard Empire North Narrabeen Ripper, presented by VEIA.

NSW’s marquee junior event will run from 22–26 April 2026, bringing together some of the nation’s top up-and-coming junior athletes to compete in the 10,000-point rated event at the infamous North Narrabeen.

Entry Fee: $180 + GST

Key Dates:

• Entries Open: 11 March 2026, 9am AEDT
• Entries Closed: 18 March 2026, 5pm AEDT
• List of Successful entrants released: 25 March 2026

*All competitors must enter within the 7-day entry window to be eligible for the event. Late entries will only be considered if a division has not filled during this period.

Location: This event will be held at the iconic North Narrabeen surf break.

Age Divisions:

• U18 Boys (Cannot turn 18 in 2026)
• U18 Girls (Cannot turn 18 in 2026)
• U16 Boys (Cannot turn 16 in 2026)
• U16 Girls (Cannot turn 16 in 2026)

Age Clarification: Competitors must be ‘under age’ as of the 31st December 2026

Entry Conditions:

While we aim to give every competitor the best opportunity to compete, the event has a maximum competition window of three days. Round sizes and competitor numbers will be capped accordingly.

• All competitors must hold an active state body membership within their respective state.

• Single Division Entry Only

Entry Procedure:

*Please note: This is a new entry process for 2026.

Competitors must first enter the free waitlist event by 18 March 2026 to be considered for selection. After entering the waitlist, competitors will receive an email confirming their place on the waitlist. This email does not confirm entry into the event.

There is no limit on waitlist entries, so competitors have 7 days to submit their waitlist entry. There is no need to rush.

International Competitors:

International competitors should not enter the waitlist event.
Instead, please email events@surfingnsw.com.au with the following information to join the internal waitlist:

• Name

• Date of Birth

• Division

• Contact Email

• Nationality

• Previous Results (if available)

Selection Process:

On Wednesday 25 March, all successful entrants will receive:

• The full list of competitors

• A private entry link to complete the paid event entry

Competitors will have 7 days to complete their paid entry. If payment is not received within this time, the position will be offered to the next competitor on the waitlist. Do not book flights or accommodation until you have received confirmation and can see your name on the confirmed competitor list.

Waitlist Process:

Unsuccessful entrants will receive an email confirming they are on the waitlist. If a position becomes available:

• Competitors will be notified by email

• They will have 48 hours to complete their paid entry

• Surfing NSW does not disclose waitlist positions

• Please do not contact Surfing NSW requesting waitlist positions

Seeding:

Seeding is based on the National Rolling Seeding and will be conducted on Thursday 16th April. 

Competition Format:

• 20 minute heats
• Straight knockout format (50% progression)
• The best two (2) waves will count toward the surfer’s final heat score
• 1 vs 1 heats from Semi Finals onwards

Heat Draw and Schedule:

The heat draw and event schedule will be released on Friday 17 April via SNSW LiveHeats.

All divisions should expect to surf across all five days of competition, with a likely 7:30am start each morning. Please note, heat draws and schedules are subject to change until 6:30am on each morning of competition.

Event Communications:

Please join the Surfing NSW Events WhatsApp group for all event updates.

The daily event location and start time will be communicated through the WhatsApp thread each morning.

Rules:

Refer to the Surfing Australia 2026 Rulebook, available on the Surfing Australia website under the Events section.

Refund Policy:

• No refunds within 14 days of the event
• All refunds incur a $10 administration fee