Australia to Host 2026 RIP CURL GROMSEARCH INTERNATIONAL FINAL COVERED BY SUN BUM

08/09/26
2 Minuten Lesezeit
Australia to Host 2026 RIP CURL GROMSEARCH INTERNATIONAL FINAL COVERED BY SUN BUM

The wave-rich region of Narrabeen has today been announced as the official location for the prestigious 2026 Rip Curl GromSearch International Final covered by Sun Bum, to be held from November 7 – 10, 2026. 

The Final will bring together 16 of the world’s best U16 surfers to battle it out for the title of International Champion, following a year of GromSearch events scouring the globe for the next generation of surfing talent. 

Across each region, surfers compete through a series of events for the chance to qualify for their National Final and ultimately earn a coveted spot representing their country on the international stage. 

With the International Final moving to a new location each year, Narrabeen follows Hossegor, France, in 2025 and Canggu, Bali, in 2024. The event’s return to Australia marks the first time the country has hosted the Final since Bells Beach in 2023. 

“We’re so stoked to bring the International Final back to Australia, and Narrabeen couldn’t be a better stage to showcase the world’s best up and coming talent,” said Angus Forrest, Rip Curl’s Sports Marketing Manager.  

“The Rip Curl GromSearch has been a launching pad for some of surfing’s biggest names, with former Champions going on to win World Titles and Olympic medals. It’s a huge opportunity for these young surfers to compete on the international stage, while sharing an unforgettable experience with other surfers from all over the world.”  

The Rip Curl GromSearch has been running since 1999, and its track record speaks for itself: 

  • 2026 WSL World Tour: Over 60% of current CT athletes are former GromSearch winners. 
  • Olympics: Five of the six medallists at the last two Olympic Games competed in Rip Curl GromSearch. 
  • WSL World Champions: The last 19 WSL Women’s World Titles have been won by GromSearch finalists. 

Past winners include WSL World Champions Caitlin Simmers, Caroline Marks, and Gabriel Medina. Other legendary winners include Championship Tour surfers Erin Brooks, Brisa Hennessy, Samuel Pupo, Leonardo Fioravanti, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Owen Wright, and one of the most stylish free surfers on the planet, Mason Ho, among many, many more.   

Surf fans will be able to watch the event broadcast live and free around the globe on Rip Curl’s YouTube account. Further details to follow.  

The Rip Curl International GromSearch is proudly covered by Sun Bum and supported by Ritual Vision and Fatboy Bikes.