The stage is set for an unforgettable week on Sydney’s Northern Beaches as the Surfboard Empire North Narrabeen Pro Junior presented by Florence and the Surfboard Empire NN Ripper presented by Veia return to one of Australia’s most iconic high-performance waves from the 22nd April to the 26th April 2026.
Following the announcement of junior pro surfing’s return, excitement continues to build, not only for the elite level of surfing on display, but for a carefully curated entertainment schedule designed to bring the community together and provide a refreshing outlet for travelling competitors and locals alike. Sue Heins, Mayor of Northern Beaches Council explains
“We’ve just come off three years of hosting the seniors here at North Narrabeen, and it’s been incredibly exciting to see young people coming down to watch their heroes. Now, it’s going to be just as special to see the next generation step up and compete.”
Kicking things off, surfing and sponsors will be bringing North Narrabeen beach alive from Wednesday through to Sunday. Surfboard Empire will host a special movie night, on Thursday 23rd April, showcasing a special screening of never-before-seen latest episode from John John Florence’s VELA on the big screen, alongside his brother, Nathan Florence’s BEST OF SLAB TOUR clip. Then, local shredder Dylan Moffat will showcase his new short feature called SPAM before a message from John John himself, wishing competitors the best for the comp.
The focus then shifts to official venue partner, The Mona, whose involvement reflects a deep commitment to the Northern Beaches surfing community.
Owner Ben Hanson said supporting events like this is about investing in the future of the sport while reconnecting with its roots. “We want to support grassroots surfing and bring back the old Mona Vale Hotel vibes across the surfing community,” Hanson said.
“We’re passionate about helping develop and blood Northern Beaches talent. Ultimately, we want to see another world title surfer come out of this region.”
Hanson also emphasised The Mona’s role as a hub for the wider community throughout the event. “We’ve worked hard to make The Mona an inclusive, family-friendly venue with a great atmosphere. Live music, exceptional food and cold drinks. What more could you ask for.”
Friday night will feature “Then & Now”, a free community event kicking off from 6pm on Friday 24th March at The Mona, starting with the Midget Farrelley Award Presentation for 2024 & 2025 award recipients presented by Harry Hodge on behalf of Surfing NSW, Farrell Family, and awards committee. Following this, a Q&A session bringing together Northern Beaches legends Laura Enever, Tom Carroll, Damian Hardman and Nathan Webster for an evening of stories, insights and plenty of laughs.
Every evening from Wednesday 22nd April, through to Sunday 26th April, The Mona will keep the energy high with their usual energetic weekend vibes including live music, excellent food and specials, featuring 2UP on Anzac Day afternoon. The Mona team will also be present at the beach each day of competition, hosting interactive games, giveaways and plenty of friendly faces, so be sure to stop by and say hello.
Additionally, the community is encouraged to join us at the North Narrabeen event site which will be buzzing with activity. Event partners will deliver a range of on-site activations, giving spectators the chance to immerse themselves in the full experience.
From stepping into the driver’s seat of a VW Amarok, to meeting the Surfboard Empire team and taking a demo board for a spin, there will be plenty to explore. Fans can also unwind in the Reflections Recovery Zone, creating the perfect setting to relax, connect and enjoy the atmosphere while watching some of Australia’s best emerging surfers push the limits.
Schedule:
- Wednesday 22nd April:
- Competitor check in from 7:00am
- First Heats from 7:30am
- Brand Activations 7:30am – 4:00pm featuring the Reflections Recovery Zone and Ice Bath, Volkswagen Commercial Displays, Mona Hotel, Surfboard Empire and LAB activations!
- The Mona from 6:00pm
- Thursday 23rd April:
- First Heats from 7:30am
- Brand Activations 7:30am – 4:00pm featuring the Reflections Recovery Zone and Ice Bath, Volkswagen Commercial Displays, Mona Hotel, Surfboard Empire and LAB activations!
- Movie Night at Surfboard Empire featuring a new and unseen John John Florence VELA Episode, Best of Slab on Tour Episode, Dylan Moffat’s new SPAM clip + more! Pizzas provided! 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- Friday 24th April:
- First Heats from 7:30am
- Brand Activations 7:30am – 4:00pm featuring the Reflections Recovery Zone and Ice Bath & Sauna, Volkswagen Commercial Displays, Mona Hotel, Surfboard Empire and LAB activations!
- Then & Now – A Celebration of Surfing at North Narrabeen & Northern Beaches featuring a Q&A Panel with Local Legends! With special guests Damian Hardman, Laura Enever, Nathan Webster, Tom Carroll and more, presented by Zach Whiteman from the Lago Podcast at The Mona, from 6:00pm – 8:30pm
- A special presentation of the Midget Farrelly Award will take place before Then & Now kicks off with our special guests.
- Saturday 25th April:
- First Heats from 7:30pm
- Brand Activations 7:30am – 4:00pm featuring the Reflections Recovery Zone and Ice Bath & Sauna, Volkswagen Commercial Displays, Mona Hotel, Surfboard Empire and LAB activations!
- The Mona from 6:00pm
- Sunday 26th April:
- First Heats from 7:30am
- Brand Activations 7:30am – 4:00pm featuring the Reflections Recovery Zone and Ice Bath & Sauna, Volkswagen Commercial Displays, Mona Hotel, Surfboard Empire.
- Junior LAB Activations 8:30 am – 2pm
- A Stage 1 LAB Junior Development session alongside the North Narrabeen Pro Junior/ Junior events, giving groms the chance to train with Surfing NSW coaches on the same stretch of beach as the event.
- Coaches: Jarrad Howse & Duke Kelleher
- Register here (Registrations close: 9am, Wednesday 22nd April)
- Presentation Ceremony: Crowning the Pro Junior Champions 5:00pm at North Narrabeen Beach
- The Mona from 6:00pm
Spectators are encouraged to make the most of the event by utilising public transport options, with North Narrabeen easily accessible via bus routes servicing the Northern Beaches. Limited parking will be available in the surrounding areas, so early arrival is recommended.
For those unable to attend in person, a live stream through Live Heats, will ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Surfing NSW would like to extend its sincere thanks to Northern Beaches Council and North Narrabeen Boardriders for their continued support and for providing access to one of Australia’s most iconic breaks for this five-day celebration of Pro Junior surfing.
Follow the live action:
- Surfboard Empire North Narrabeen Ripper, presented by Veia
- Surfboard Empire North Narrabeen Pro Junior, presented by Florence
- Surfing NSW Community WhatsApp channel
- Surfing NSW Instagram
Set at the iconic North Narrabeen, this year’s Surfboard Empire Pro Junior and NN Ripper events promise more than just world-class surfing, delivering a long weekend of entertainment, community connection and grassroots celebration. From open-air film screenings and live music to interactive beachside activations, the event brings together competitors, locals and fans in a dynamic festival atmosphere. The event not only showcases Australia’s next generation of surfing talent but also reinforces the region’s deep cultural ties to the sport, creating an inclusive and memorable experience both in and out the water.