The Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) returns to Western Australia this Saturday, with Trigg Beach hosting the opening qualifier of Series 13. For some, the number 13 may be unlucky, but for three WA boardrider clubs it could be their pathway to the national stage in 2026.
Six WA clubs, including Yallingup, Margaret River, Trigg Point, Trigg Junior, Scarborough and Mullaloo, will line up for bragging rights and a shot at national glory. Each team of five surfers will compete in the fast-paced tag team format, with two open men, one open female, one over-35 master (male or female), and one under-18 junior (male or female) making up the lineup.
With only the top three clubs earning qualification, every wave at Trigg will carry extra weight in what promises to be a fierce battle of pride and passion. Those who advance will book their place at the ABB Grand Final, presented by NRMA Insurance, at Queensland’s iconic Burleigh Heads in March 2026.
Rivalries and opportunities
Yallingup, Trigg Point and Margaret River have set the benchmark in WA over the past five years, with Yallingup claiming the top spot for the last three.
Yallingup President Zak Ogram said his club is proud of what they’ve achieved but are hungry for more.
“Representing WA on the national stage is huge for a small club like ours,” said Ogram. “The ABB is special because of the team vibe on the beach. You’ve got everyone from ex-pros to groms all surfing together, and that’s what club surfing is all about.”
Trigg Point Vice President Luke Campbell said his team is motivated to shake off their runner-up streak.
“We’ve been the bridesmaid the past few years, so everyone is keen to change that,” said Campbell. “Competing at home is what we live for, and the team is feeling strong. Surfing is usually an individual sport, but this format brings everyone together and lifts the standard.”
Margaret River’s Jerome Forrest said his team are ready to build on their strong Grand Final result last year.
“We’d love to be back on top,” said Forrest. “Our Semi Final finish at last year’s Grand Final gave us real confidence that we can compete at the highest level, and that’s something we want to build on. Even with a few surfers away, we’ve got such a strong pool of talent ready to step up, and the whole team is fired up to put it together this weekend.”
While the front-runners remain the ones to beat, Scarborough, Trigg Juniors and Mullaloo will be looking for a breakthrough result against the heavy hitters, with three spots at the national final up for grabs.
Pictured: Sibling rivalry hits the surf this weekend as Jake Scott (pictured) takes on his dad John, sister Brontë and twin brother Ben at the Australian Boardriders Battle. Image Credit: Sam Emery / Surfing WA.
Family affair adds unique twist
Adding to the drama is a rare father-versus-children battle. Trigg Junior Boardriders will field John Scott alongside his kids Bronte and Ben, while on the opposite side of the draw, his son Jake Scott will line up for Trigg Point. That means dad will go head-to-head with his own son, while twin brothers and a sister face off in an unprecedented sibling showdown.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun surfing with Bronte and Ben, and coming up against Jake,” said John Scott. “Jake has already had the experience of competing over east, so it would be pretty special if we could get TJBR there too. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of bragging rights around the dinner table, but I always remind them who buys the wax,” he joked.
Surfing WA Regional Operations Manager Kim Clift said WA is proud to launch the 2025/26 ABB Regional Series.
“We’re excited to be opening the ABB Regional Series here in Western Australia,” said Clift. “The ABB represents the heart of Australian surfing, combining fierce competition, local pride and community spirit. Starting in WA sets the stage for what promises to be another incredible season of boardrider clubs going head-to-head for national glory.”
Event details
The action begins 8:30am this Saturday, September 13, at Trigg Beach, with finals wrapping up early afternoon. Spectators are encouraged to head down and support their local club in what promises to be an action-packed day of surfing and fierce club rivalry.
2025/26 Australian Boardriders Battle Series 13
WA – Trigg Point – September 13, 2025
NSW North – Coffs Harbour – September 20, 2025
VIC – Phillip Island – October 5, 2025
QLD – Sunshine Coast – October 11, 2025
SA – Fleurieu Peninsula – October 18, 2025
TAS – Scamander – October 25, 2025
NSW South – Cronulla (new) – November 1, 2025
NSW Central – North Narrabeen – November 8, 2025
Grand Final – Burleigh Heads, March 2026 (entry by qualification)
About the Australian Boardriders Battle
The Australian Boardriders Battle 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.
The 2025 Australian Boardriders Battle Regional Series is proudly supported by ACCIONA, Jim Beam, Celsius Energy Drinks, Kennards Hire, Boost Mobile, BC Protein Snacks, BLACKROLL, Zuum Energy Gum and Surfers for Climate.
The 2026 ABB Gold Coast Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
About Australian Boardrider clubs
There are more than 250 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads. The boardrider club phenomenon in Australia has made a significant contribution to the nation’s competitive success on the global stage, fostering close-knit communities that support young surfers on their journeys to becoming the next world champions.
For more information, visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com
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