SharkSmart – Queensland Government supports safer surfing at the 2026 Kirra Longboard Klassic

News supplied by the KLK:

The Kirra Longboard Klassic is proud to announce support from the Queensland Government through the SharkSmart Drone Program, helping deliver enhanced water safety during this year’s three-day event at Kirra Beach from 31 July – 2 August 2026.

The SharkSmart Drone Program is a partnership between Surf Life Saving Queensland and the Queensland Government’s Department of Primary Industries, designed to improve ocean safety through the use of advanced drone surveillance technology at beaches and major ocean events across Queensland. 

As part of the sponsorship support for the Kirra Longboard Klassic, a dedicated drone and licensed drone operator will be on site throughout the entire event, assisting organisers and water safety teams by monitoring conditions and helping make the contest safer for competitors, officials, adaptive surfers, and beachgoers. 

Kirra Longboard Klassic Event Director Sean McKeown said the initiative adds another important layer of safety to one of Australia’s premier longboard surfing festivals.

“The safety of our competitors and spectators is always our highest priority, so we’re extremely grateful for the support from the Queensland Government, and the Department of Primary Industries through the SharkSmart Drone Program,” McKeown said.

“Having a drone and professional operator monitoring the event over the three days provides additional reassurance for everyone in and around the water and highlights the positive role technology can play in ocean safety.” 

The 2026 Kirra Longboard Klassic continues to expand beyond surfing competition alone, with organisers also accepting the submission of entries into the Waves of Expression Surf Art & Photography Exhibition, which runs from 22 July – 2 August 2026.

Artists and photographers from around Australia are invited to submit works celebrating surf culture, coastal lifestyle, and the spirit of longboarding. 

Entry submissions are now open through the official event website:

The exhibition offers:

• $500 prize money for Best Surf Photograph
• $500 prize money for Best Artwork 

Early bird entries for all surfing divisions in the Kirra Klassic remain open until the end of June, with divisions catering for professionals, amateurs, juniors, adaptive surfers, families, and longboard enthusiasts of all ages. 

The Kirra Longboard Klassic is fast becoming one of Australia’s most celebrated surf lifestyle festivals, combining world-class longboarding with live music, art, community activations, adaptive surfing, and the unique spirit of Kirra Beach.

 - NEWS FROM THE KIRRA LONGBOARD KLASSIC

 kirraklassic@gmail.com