THE PREMIER INTERNATIONAL SURF CRAFT SERIES.

WHERE THE WORLD MEETS THE OCEAN.

SHAW AND PARTNERS WORLD OCEAN SERIES SEASON LAUNCH 2026/27

By Ben Cochrane


Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Returns Bigger Than Ever for 2026/27

International expansion, Over $600,000 in cash and over 200,000 in prizes including two Mistubishi ASX and exciting new initiatives headline the biggest season in Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series history.

 The 2026/27 Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series has officially launched in spectacular fashion, with athletes, partners, media and key stakeholders gathering at the Mondrian Gold Coast to celebrate the beginning of another landmark season for professional surf sports.

Building on 15 years of growth, the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series returns bigger than ever, delivering a world-class calendar featuring international competition, Australia's premier surf sports events, Over $600,000 in cash and over 200,000 in prizes including two Mistubishi ASX and much more, enhanced athlete opportunities and exciting new initiatives designed to elevate the sport both on and off the beach.

Following the successful opening rounds across Great Britain, France and the United States, the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series now returns to Australia where the world's best surf sports athletes will compete across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia in pursuit of the most prestigious titles in professional surf sports.

The 2026/27 Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series will feature 18 Open events, with athletes' best five results counting towards the overall championship, ensuring every race remains crucial in the battle for the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series crown. The season will also include three youth events , community participation initiatives and the introduction of community swim events.

Returning this season are many of the elements that have made the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series one of the fastest-growing sporting properties in Australia, including significant prize money, premium event presentation, world-class beach infrastructure, youth racing pathways and the iconic Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic, which will once again serve as the Grand Final with a massive 20,000 championship points on offer.

This year's Shaw and Partners Word Ocean Series also introduces several exciting additions that further reward athlete performance while strengthening club participation and fan engagement.

Among the new initiatives for the 2026/27 Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series are:

  • A total $800,000 prize pool across the season.
  • Two Mitsubishi ASX vehicles awarded to the men's and women's Shaw and Partners Iron champions.
  • Four international racing opportunities, with two male and two female athletes earning fully funded trips to next year's international events after making the greatest impact throughout the season.
  • The Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Club Championship, where surf clubs will nominate athletes across the Swim, Board, Ski, Iron and Mixed Taplin disciplines to compete for prize money and club honours.
  • The introduction of 2km Ocean Swims, beginning at Burleigh Heads before expanding to additional events throughout the season.
  • 2026/27 Membership active in two weeks

 

LANA ROGERS Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Ironwoman Champion

"Every season the standard continues to rise, and that's what makes the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series so special. You're racing against the best athletes in the world, pushing your limits at every event, and competing in front of incredible surf sports communities. I'm excited for what's ahead and can't wait to get back on the start line and challenge myself throughout the season."

ETHAN CALLAGHAN – 2026 Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Ironman Champion

"The Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series has become the pinnacle of professional surf sports, and every race presents a new challenge. With the calibre of athletes, increased opportunities, and huge prize pool this season, it's going to be incredibly competitive. I'm looking forward to defending my title and putting on a great show”

 

The Australian Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series campaign begins at Burleigh Heads on 2–3 October, before travelling to iconic locations including Wanda, Bonny Hills, Alexandra Headland, Coffs Harbour, Warrnambool, Glenelg, Torquay, Manly, Freshwater, Maroochydore, Brighton and Lorne, before culminating at the Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic Northcliffe on 19–20 February.

The 2026/27 Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series also continues its commitment to developing the next generation of surf sports stars, with three dedicated youth events including the Race One World Youth Championships, while expanding community participation through the introduction of new 2km Ocean Swims, beginning at Burleigh Heads on 4 October.

The continued evolution of the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series reflects an extraordinary journey that began in 2011 with a single event in Coffs Harbour.

What started with a clipboard, determination and a $1,000 prize pool has grown into one of the world's leading surf sports competitions.

Today, the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series has delivered:

  • More than 160 events.
  • Over $3.5 million in prize money awarded.
  • More than 50 live broadcasts.
  • Over 42,000 race entries.
  • Athletes representing 10 nations.
  • International events across Australia, Great Britain, France, New Zealand and the United States of America.

As the 2026/27 Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series gets underway, the championship continues to build on its reputation as the home of professional surf sports, bringing together the world's best Swim, Board, Ski,  Ironman and Ironwoman athletes while inspiring future generations and showcasing the very best of surf lifesaving competition.

2026/27 Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Calendar

 

Open Events

  • 2–3 October — Burleigh 5,000 (QLD)
  • 24 October — Wanda 5,000 (NSW) (Broadcast)
  • 30–31 October — Bonny Hills 7,000 (NSW) (Broadcast)
  • 27–28 November — Hayden Kenny Classic 10,000 (QLD) (Broadcast)
  • 5 December — Coffs Harbour 5,000 (NSW)
  • 12 December — Warrnambool 5,000 (VIC)
  • 18–19 December — Glenelg 7,000 (SA) (Broadcast)
  • 3 January — Torquay 5,000 (VIC)
  • 15–16 January — Manly Open 10,000 (NSW) (Broadcast)
  • 17 January — Freshwater 5,000 (NSW)
  • 22–23 January — Maroochydore 7,000 (QLD) (Broadcast)
  • 6 February — Brighton 5,000 (VIC) 
  • 13 February — Lorne 5,000 (VIC)
  • 19–20 February — Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic – Grand Final (Northcliffe Gold Coast )(20,000 Points) (Broadcast)

Youth Events

  • 4 October — Shaw and Partners Burleigh Youth 5,000
  • 1 November — Race One World Youth Championships
  • 29 November — Shaw and Partners Hayden Kenny Classic Youth

New Community Events

  • 2km Ocean Swim – Burleigh Heads (4 October)
  • Additional Ocean Swim events to be announced.

Watch the livestream from the Mondrain Gold Coast.