Next Gen Challenge 2026 is a junior event built to back surfers chasing the next level — proper heats, proper judging, and a prize pool that actually means something.And if you’ve been around since the first run in 2023, you’ll know the comp isn’t just about the jersey. The artwork has become part of the culture — designed by Mark Geltch (Geltchy) with that punk energy: loud, gritty, and made to be collected.

Junior surfing competition at Yaroomba Beach (Sunshine Coast)

The event runs at Yaroomba Beach on the Sunshine Coast.

Administration & Sign-In Tent: opposite 1 Yinneburra Street, Yaroomba

If you’re competing, get there early, get signed in, and settle your head before the first horn.

Event window (competition day chosen on surf)

The event runs in a two-day window and the final call is made on conditions.

• Saturday 1 August 2026 or Sunday 2 August 2026

Entries: dates, fee, and deadlines

This is the part people stuff up. Don’t.

• Entries open live: 5 June 2026
• Entry fee: $100 per competitor
• Entries close: 4:00pm Friday 31 July 2026
• Heat draw & event schedule released: by 7:00pm Friday 31 July 2026

Enter here: https://liveheats.com/events/521909

Divisions & eligibility (ages 14–20)

Competitors must be aged 14–20 years as at 31 December 2026.If you turn 21 during 2026, you’re not eligible to compete. Simple.

WSL judges + real-world pressure

This isn’t backyard scoring. Next Gen Challenge 2026 will be judged in front of experienced WSL judges — the kind of panel that rewards surfing that’s committed, clean, and done with intent.If you’ve got an air section, swing. If it’s barreling, don’t blink.

Prize money (both divisions)

One of the highest junior prize pools on the Sunshine Coast — for both divisions.

• 1st place: $1,500
• 2nd place: $700
• 3rd place: $300
• 4th place: $200

Extra cash prizes

• Best Air
• Best Barrel
• Sportsperson of the Day

Artwork Illustrated by (Mark Geltch / Geltchy)

Since 2023, the event artwork hasn’t been an afterthought. It’s been part of the identity.The Next Gen Challenge 2026 poster is built like a proper surf artefact — bold lines, punk attitude, and that Sunshine Coast grit that doesn’t need polishing.And the merch? Same deal. Designed to be worn hard, kept longer than it should, and pulled out years later like, “remember that day at Yaroomba?”If you’re into surf culture, not just surf results, keep an eye out around the event.

Presentation & prize giving

• Coolum Beach Hotel — 6:00pm

Show up. Clap loud. Back the kids.

Enter now

Spots will fill fast and the deadline doesn’t care if you “meant to.”

Enter via LiveHeats: https://liveheats.com/events/521909