Australian Boardriders Battle regional qualifier taking place this Saturday

COOLUM Beach is likely to play host to some of Queensland’s best surfers this Saturday as they go head-to-head in the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB).

The Sunshine Coast is hosting the fourth stop of the ABB regional series on Saturday, October 10, with 16 of Queensland’s top boardrider clubs fighting for a place in next year’s national Grand Final, which will take place from March 13-14 at Burleigh Heads.

Coolum Beach is scheduled to host the competition, although the final location will be confirmed by 6 am on Saturday depending on conditions.

If the event does come to Coolum, locals and visitors can expect a great day of free surfing action, with everything from rising juniors to experienced championship-level surfers hitting the waves, and local clubs will feature, with Coolum Boardriders Club competing.

A spokesperson for Coolum Boardriders said the team has been putting in extra effort.

“They sure have been training hard the last few weeks- building the team morale and cohesion.

“Hopefully it’s a great day!”

Last year’s Sunshine Coast qualifier attracted plenty of attention when three-time world champion Mick Fanning pulled on the jersey for Kirra Surfriders Club and entered the water.

The 2026 field is again packed with talent, including 2025 ISA World Junior Championship bronze medallist Caden Francis, Dimity Stoyle from D’Bah Boardriders and Dean Morrison from Snapper Rocks Surfriders.

North End Boardriders will also be looking to repeat last year’s success after taking out the Queensland qualifier and securing their place on the national stage.

The ABB has a unique tag-team format, with each club fielding two Open Men, one Open Woman, one Master surfer over 35 and one Junior under 18.

Surfers battle for their best waves before racing up the beach to tag their next teammate, with the scores combined to determine the winning club.

One of the highlights will be the Boost Mobile Wave of the Day, recognising the standout individual ride based on performance, difficulty, power and style.

Everyone is welcome to come down and check out the friendly surfing action, and with the prospect of watching some of Queensland’s best surfers competing in local waves, this Saturday is not to be missed!

AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE Saturday, October 10 Coolum Beach – location to be confirmed by 6 am Free to watch

About the Australian Boardriders Battle

The ABB is Australia’s biggest grassroots surfing series, involving over 80 boardrider clubs in eight state qualifying rounds before culminating in the epic Grand Final showdown. The event has been instrumental in strengthening club culture, fostering future champions, and celebrating Australia’s deep connection with surfing.

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