Surfer: Jason Weeks. Photo: Peter Turnbull
The Gate Keeper. Pic: Currumbin Ali
The Eagle is Back! Artist Dave Sturmer
27 May 26
The 2026 Kirra Longboard Klassic is proud to unveil this year’s official event theme and artwork, featuring an original oil painting by celebrated surf artist Dave Sturmer showcasing the iconic Kirra Eagle hanging ten in true Klassic style.
Adding to the symbolism, the famous Kirra Eagle has also officially returned to its rightful perch atop Kirra Hill, where it will once again watch over Kirra Beach, the local community, and this year’s Kirra Longboard Klassic — and many more to come.
With entries now flowing in strongly, organisers are reminding surfers that early bird entries for the 2026 Kirra Longboard Klassic close on Monday 29 June 2026.
More than one-third of available competitor spots have already been filled, with strong interest from surfers across Australia and overseas.
This year’s event will again feature all the crowd favourites including:
• Male and female divisions
• Multiple age divisions
• Logger divisions
• Locals Only divisions
• Adaptive surfing showcases
• The always entertaining Fancy Dress surfing
New for 2026 will be a number of team-based divisions, adding another layer of fun, camaraderie and beach culture to the event atmosphere.
The blue ribbon event this year will be the prestigious Nose Rider division, with $3,000 in prize money up for grabs for surfers who can master the art of traditional longboard style at Kirra.
But as always, the Kirra Longboard Klassic is about far more than just what happens in the water.
Onshore activities for 2026 will be bigger than ever and include:
• A Show & Shine featuring classic surfboards and surf vehicles
• Free yoga sessions
• Ice bath experiences
• Live music and buskers
• Surf culture activations and entertainment
• Talks and storytelling sessions from adaptive surfers sharing their experiences both in and out of the water
“These stories are genuinely inspiring,” said Event Director Sean McKeown.
“I can guarantee people will be enthralled by what these adaptive surfers have to say and the life experiences they bring to the event.”
Event organisers are also calling for additional musicians, performers, artists, entertainers and creative contributors who would like to be involved throughout the event period.
“We’re open to new ideas and new forms of entertainment,” McKeown said.
“If you’ve got something that fits the vibe of Kirra and longboard culture, we’d love to hear from you.”
The 2026 Kirra Longboard Klassic will take place from 31 July – 2 August 2026 at Kirra Beach on the Southern Gold Coast, alongside the expanded “Waves of Expression” Surf Art & Photography Exhibition running from 22 July – 2 August at the Kirra Hill Community Centre.
And while organisers can’t promise “a legendary Kirra barrel, they can promise a good time.”
Entries, info, and expressions of interest HERE
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