Board riders have hit the waves for a special edition of a world-renowned surfing event.
Surf culture enthusiasts have converged for the 35th year of the Noosa Festival of Surfing, at the famous break at Noosa Heads.
The event, which runs from March 13 until March 22, includes a range of activities on and off the water.
Organisers stated, in the lead-up to this year’s festival, via the official website, that world-class board riders were expected to appear, including longboarders Kai Ellice-Flint and Soleil Errico, along with rising stars like Jack Tyro, Cash Hoover, Malia Illigan and local Lennix Currie.
“With international competitors converging on First Point, you’ll witness elite surfing with style, creativity and precision in one of the most beautiful surf arenas in the world,” they said.
The biggest crowds were expected at the annual dog surfing event, held during the weekend.
“Equal parts impressive and hilarious, it’s a crowd favourite for all ages and a reminder that this event never takes itself too seriously and is a true spectacle.”
The festival also has a beach bar experience, surf art exhibitions, live music, film screenings, conservation initiatives and immersive environmental experiences “that celebrate surfing’s past, present and future”.
“One of 2026’s headline moments, Piano on the Point will see a grand piano raised on the sand, surrounded by hundreds of festivalgoers (on March 19, from 4pm),” organisers stated.
“With live performances and the ocean as the backdrop, this is a once-in-a-lifetime beachside experience you’ll be talking about long after the final note.”
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The festival’s roots were in the early 1990s, when the Noosa Malibu Club ran the Noosa Malibu Classic. It’s evolved to include new divisions, international competitors, music, art, wellness and environmental aspects.
“Families return year after year, making it a generational tradition,” organisers added.
“Many of today’s competitors once came as groms, watching from the shoreline with sandy feet and big dreams hoping to be on the podium one day.
“The 35th year is a testament to the power of place, people and purpose.
“The festival has survived changing trends, weathered storms and remained a constant celebration of what surfing once was and still is.”
“The festival’s legacy lives through the people who show up, year after year.
“As we celebrate 35 years in 2026, we honour where we’ve come from, recognise what the festival means to Noosa and look ahead to the next chapter of surfing culture, connection and creativity.”
The waters off Noosa National Park, including First Point, were officially announced as a world surfing reserve in 2020. The waves there are essentially a protected natural area.
