Australasia’s top junior surfers will converge on Yallingup from 17-20 January 2026 for the 21st edition of Taj’s Small Fries, marking a major milestone for Western Australia’s biggest and most prestigious junior surfing event.
Now entering its third decade, Taj’s Small Fries has evolved from a grassroots grommet contest into a cornerstone of the national junior pathway, attracting elite young surfers from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The 2026 event will once again set the tone for the year ahead, launching Surfing Western Australia’s competition calendar and standing as one of the highest-rated events on the Australian Junior Series, with a marquee 10,000-point contest held on WA’s iconic Yallingup coastline.
Event host and WA surfing icon Taj Burrow said reaching the 21st edition was a powerful milestone for an event that began as a grassroots idea.
“To see Small Fries reach its 21st year is pretty special,” said Burrow. “What started as a fun event for groms has grown into something that really helps shape the future of Australian surfing. Every year the level keeps rising, and it’s unreal to see how confident and capable these young surfers are at such a young age. I’m so proud of what Small Fries has become and what it continues to give back to the surf community.”
Over the years, Taj’s Small Fries has played a key role in the development of Australian surfing stars including Felicity Palmateer, Jack Robinson, Bronte Macaulay and Jacob Willcox, with Yallingup’s world-class waves providing the perfect training ground.
“This coastline shaped me as a surfer, so it’s always special seeing the next generation charging out here,” said Burrow. “Small Fries has that unique mix of serious competition and pure fun, and that’s what makes it such a highlight for surfers and families from all over Australasia.”
The competition will feature boys and girls divisions from Under 12s through to Under 18s, with WA’s emerging talent set to test themselves against a strong field of interstate and international competitors.
Surfing WA Regional Operations Manager Kim Clift said the event continues to play a critical role in junior development pathways.
“Taj’s Small Fries is a hugely important event for our young surfers,” said Clift. “It gives WA athletes the chance to compete at the highest level on home soil while also exposing them to the professionalism and intensity of a major national event. The experience they gain here is invaluable, both as competitors and as young people growing within the surf community.”
Reigning Under 16 Boys Champion Brody Mulik (Margaret River) will step into the Under 18 Boys division for the first time at Taj’s Small Fries in 2026, having been a regular competitor at the event since the Under 10s.
“I’ve been coming to Small Fries since I was about nine, and it’s always been one of my favourite events,” said Mulik. “The level is high, especially with surfers coming over from interstate and overseas, which really lifts the intensity.
“Stepping into the Under 18s feels like a big step, but I’m just keen to have fun, surf good waves and see how far I can go,” he said. “It’s always unreal having everyone together in the one place, and the forecast’s looking good, so I’m excited to get out there and share some waves.”
Set against the iconic Yallingup coastline, the event is proudly supported by the City of Busselton, with Mayor Phill Cronin welcoming competitors and families to the region.
“The South West is home to some outstanding young surfing talent, and we’re excited to support an event that continues to inspire and develop the next generation,” said Mayor Cronin. “Taj’s Small Fries has become a signature youth sporting event for our region, showcasing our incredible coastline while creating lasting memories for competitors and their families. We commend Surfing WA for delivering such a high-quality event year after year and wish all competitors the very best.”
Beyond the competition, the 21st Taj’s Small Fries will deliver a full program of activities designed to celebrate surf culture and community:
Opening Ceremony and Welcome to Country
Kicking off the event at Caves House on Friday 16 January from 3:00pm.
Board.Store Pong Off
Presented by Board.Store, competitors can face off against Taj in one of his favourite pastimes, ping-pong, with prizes up for grabs.
Saturday 17 January from 6:00pm.
Event Activations
Including free skin checks thanks to We Are Feel Good Inc, on-beach coaching sessions, and more for competitors and families to enjoy.
Keep up to date with all the action from Taj’s Small Fries by following Surfing WA’s social media channels or visiting the event mini site at www.surfingwa.com.au/events/smallfries/
About Taj’s Small Fries
Since 2006, Taj’s Small Fries has been Western Australia’s premier junior surfing event, providing a springboard for aspiring surfing stars. Hosted by Taj Burrow, the event has been pivotal in nurturing surfing talent, with past champions including Felicity Palmateer, Jack Robinson, Bronte Macaulay, and Jacob Willcox. This 21st edition celebrates more than two decades of surf culture, community, and grommet stoke along WA’s iconic Yallingup coastline.
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