Indigenous surfing titles secures three-year deal

TORQUAY-based surf company Rip Curl and state sporting body Surfing Victoria have extended their partnership on the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Djarrak/Bells Beach for a further three years.

The event will return for its 13th edition between 29–31 May, with more than 80 Indigenous Australian and Torres Strait Islander surfers expected to compete.

Rip Curl chief executive, Ashley Reade, said said the renewed agreement aligned with the company’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and its support of Indigenous surfers.

“This renewed partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and strengthening relationships with the Indigenous surfing community,” he said.

“We sponsor some incredible Indigenous surfers, and we can’t wait to see them take on the iconic Bells Bowl again this year.”

Surfing Victoria chief executive, Adam Robertson, said the event remained an important fixture on the Victorian and national surfing calendar.

“This event holds a special place in not only the Victorian surfing calendar but also nationally, and having Rip Curl continuing to support the event shows the commitment they have in supporting the wider Indigenous surfing community,” he said.

Jordie Campbell, an event finalist on several occasions, said he looked forward to returning to the water.

“It’s always good to have everyone down here and to get to showcase our best First Nations surfers,” he said. “We always score waves, and lets hope this year will be no different.”

The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles will be held from May 29 to 31.

Entries are open online via Surfing Victoria.