Top Things to See & Do at the 2026 Kirra Longboard Klassic

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​The 2026 Kirra Longboard Klassic is a celebration of surfing, friendship and fun, bringing the community together at iconic Kirra Beach for a festival where sharing the stoke comes first.

More than just a surfing competition, the Kirra Longboard Klassic is built on inclusivity, community spirit and good vibes. Every finalist receives a trophy, while the event's most prestigious honour is the "Surfer Having the Most Fun" Award—because at Kirra, the joy of surfing is what matters most.

Whether you're a surfer, family, local or visitor, there's something happening all weekend both in and out of the water.

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Surfing for Everyone

The Kirra Longboard Klassic program starts with the Waves of Expression Surf Art & Photography Exhibition (22 July – 2 August at Kirra Hill Community & Cultural Centre) before proudly welcoming surfers of every age and ability—from groms to grannies to the surfing arena.

Competition divisions include:

• Junior Boys & Girls

• Open Men & Women

• Local Legends (for surfers from Coomera to Pottsville)

• Defence Forces Division, recognising those who have served

• Adaptive Surfing

• The crowd-favourite Fancy Dress Surfing

• The prestigious Noserider Division featuring $3,000 in prize money

• NEW for 2026 – The Glider Division

Making its debut this year is the exciting Glider Division. Rather than rewarding radical manoeuvres, competitors will be judged on style, trim and the length of their rides, celebrating the timeless elegance of classic longboarding.

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Friday – Welcome to Kirra

The surfing component of the festival officially begins on Friday with the Fluro Friday Mental Health Initiative, encouraging everyone to connect, check in on mates and celebrate the positive impact surfing has on wellbeing.

As the sun sets, enjoy Happy Hour at the Gage Roads Beach Bar before the official welcome speeches and heading to the inaugural TRIM Longboard Film Festival.

TRIM – Longboard Film Festival

Curated by filmmaker Cameron Staunton, TRIM showcases three outstanding longboard films.

POND

Featuring Izzy Henshall and Tosh Tudor.

One of the most talked-about longboard films in recent years, POND attracted more than 300 people at its only previous screening.

MARSHALL

A beautifully filmed journey following French longboarder Marshall as he explores Australia's spectacular east coast.

WORLD PREMIERE – CHAFED

Directed and edited by Cameron Staunton and featuring Archy Bemrose, CHAFED receives its world premiere at Kirra.

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Saturday – Festival Day

The festival atmosphere continues all day with activities for the whole family, including:

• Community Beach Clean-Up helping keep Kirra beautiful

• Happy Hour at the Gage Roads Beach Bar

• Live music on Saturday night featuring Jason Kafoa and the Black Pearl Band

 

Sunday – Inspiration in the Water

• Beachside yoga presented by the team from Balance Yoga

• A unique Show & Shine featuring hand-picked vintage surf wagons

• A collection of beautiful classic longboards and surf memorabilia

• A special mermaid appearance for the kids

• Sunday then features one of the festival's most inspiring events—the Waves Without Limits Adaptive Surfing Exhibition, celebrating the determination and spirit of adaptive surfers riding Kirra's famous waves.

• Following the exhibition, Dave Pearson, shark attack survivor and founder of Bite Club, will share his remarkable story of resilience, recovery and the importance of ocean safety.

• Fancy Dress Surfing ; No Kirra Longboard Klassic would be complete without the ever-popular Fancy Dress Surfing. Expect plenty of laughs as surfers paddle out dressed as everything from Elvis Presley and superheroes to outrageous movie and pop-culture characters. It's one of the festival's most entertaining traditions and always a crowd favourite.

• The weekend concludes with the 2026 Kirra Longboard Klassic Presentation Ceremony on Sunday afternoon, where champions across every division will be recognised. In true Kirra style, every finalist receives a trophy, with the event culminating in the presentation of the coveted "Surfer Having the Most Fun" Award—the honour that best reflects the spirit of the Kirra Longboard Klassic.

• Throughout the weekend, spectators will also have the chance to win custom boards from Limashapedesigns and Artifact Surfboards. These incredible giveaways are free for participants to enter, but you must be a follower on Instagram and be present at the draw to win, so be sure to stick around and enjoy everything the festival has to offer.

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Relax at the Gage Roads Beach Bar

Located right on the beachfront, the Gage Roads Beach Bar is the perfect place to enjoy the action.

Catch up with friends over a cold drink, enjoy Happy Hour each afternoon, soak up the live music and take in spectacular views of one of Australia's most iconic surfing locations.

Experience the Spirit of Kirra

While no one can promise a perfect Kirra barrel, one thing is guaranteed—the 2026 Kirra Longboard Klassic delivers a weekend full of surfing, entertainment, community and unforgettable memories.

From elite competitors and first-time surfers to families, film lovers and beachgoers, everyone is welcome.