Sydney, NSW – Some of Australia’s biggest names in surfing have stood exactly where this year’s competitors are about to.
Before the Championship Tour jerseys, Olympic campaigns and international podiums, they were groms chasing a spot through the Rip Curl GromSearch.
From Tyler and Owen Wright to Molly Picklum, George Pittar, Joel Vaughan and dozens more, the event has become one of Australia’s most recognised proving grounds for junior surfing.
This July, that pathway returns to the Coffs Coast.
From 15–19 July, more than 200 of Australia’s top junior surfers will descend on Coffs Harbour for the 2026 Rip Curl GromSearch Oz Cup covered by Sun Bum, one of the country’s premier junior surfing events and a cornerstone of the Surfing Australia Junior Series.
Across five days of competition, surfers aged Under 12 through to Under 18 will battle for valuable national ranking points, qualification opportunities and, for the Under 16 division, a coveted place at the Rip Curl GromSearch International Final.
Where Australia’s future champions begin
Surfing NSW CEO Lucas Townsend said the Rip Curl GromSearch continues to play an important role within Australia’s junior pathway.
“The Rip Curl GromSearch has played an important role in Australian surfing for more than 25 years, giving young surfers the opportunity to compete alongside the country’s best and continue their journey through the national pathway.
We’re excited to bring the event back to Coffs Harbour, a region that has become an integral part of that story. The support of the City of Coffs Harbour Council, Rip Curl, our event partners, local clubs and volunteers has helped create an environment where young surfers can challenge themselves, take another step towards their surfing goals, and explore the beautiful coast.”
A home for junior surfing
Few places understand junior surfing quite like Coffs Harbour.
Since first welcoming the Rip Curl GromSearch more than a decade ago, the region has become synonymous with developing Australia’s next generation of surfers.
Its diversity of waves, strong local club network and passionate surfing community continue to make it one of the country’s premier destinations for pathway events.
“With its roots firmly founded in Coffs Harbour it’s fantastic to see the 2026 Rip Curl GromSearch Oz Cup rolling out on our coast,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“This series is a proven stepping-stone to higher honours with a number of participants going on to forge careers on the WSL World Championship Tour.
“Having all these talented young athletes in town for the five-day event will also provide a welcome winter economic boost.”
Rip Curl continues to invest in Australia’s future
“We’re proud to partner with Surfing NSW to bring the Rip Curl GromSearch Oz Cup back to Coffs Harbour again this year,” said Tahlea Knowles, Rip Curl’s Team, Events and Partnerships Manager. “The level of talent in this region is always incredible, and we can’t wait to see New South Wales’ best young surfers battle it out for a place in the GromSearch National Final at URBNSURF Melbourne.”
More than a competition
The Rip Curl GromSearch Oz Cup is more than just what happens in the water. Across the week, competitors, families and spectators can enjoy a range of partner activations, product experiences and community events throughout the Coffs Coast.
- Rip Curl Movie Night, 15th July | 6:00pm
- Aanuka Beach House (Outdoor Cinema by the Fire Pits).
- Kick back after a day of competition for a special screening of SKETCHY, Rip Curl’s latest surf film featuring Molly Picklum, Stephanie Gilmore, Morgan Cibilic and more.
- Hyro Activation, 15th July
- Competition Site I Hyro tent
- Keep your hydration levels topped up at the Hyro Electrolyte Refill Station. Sample sugar-free electrolyte drink designed to help you hydrate faster, recover better and feel your best.
- Sun Bum Activations, 17–19th July
- Competition Site | Sun Bum Tent
- Visit the Sun Bum tent across the event for giveaways, competitions and your chance to win exclusive prizes.
- Coopers Surf x SharpEye Demo Day, 15 & 16th July | 8:00am – 12:00pm
- Competition Site | SharpEye Tent
- Test ride the latest SharpEye surfboards with the Coopers Surf team and chat with the experts throughout the morning.
- Fatboy eBike Giveaway I July 15-16th
- Checkout the Fatboy team and eBikes at site
- Scan the QR code at site to go into the draw to win an eBike
- Explore the Coffs Coast I All week
- Between heats, discover why winter is one of the best times to visit the Coffs Coast. Take a front-row seat on the spectacular Humpback Highway as thousands of whales migrate along our coastline, then download the free Coffs Coast Explorer App to explore local events, attractions, cafés, scenic walks, family-friendly experiences and more during your stay
The pathway continues
The Rip Curl GromSearch Oz Cup forms part of the Surfing Australia Junior Series, with progression opportunities to the National Final later in the year, and for Under 16 competitors, qualification to the prestigious International Final.
Competition locations
The Rip Curl GromSearch will be held across the Coffs Coast, with the daily competition location determined each morning based on the best available surf conditions.
Competition may move between beaches throughout the event to ensure competitors experience the highest quality waves possible. As a result, all competitors, families and spectators are strongly encouraged to join the Rip Curl GromSearch WhatsApp Community before the event begins.
Daily location announcements will be shared each morning, along with any important event updates throughout the day.
Stay up to date
Full event details and updates are available via the Rip Curl Gromsearch Oz Cup covered by Sun Bum event website.
Please note: Heat draws will be released approximately two days before competition begins, once entries have been finalised and the competition schedule has been confirmed.
Follow along at @SurfingNSW on:
For media enquiries: media@surfingnsw.com.au