The 2026 Surfboard Empire Pro Junior presented by Florence Marine X and the Surfboard Empire North Narrabeen Ripper presented by VEIA wrapped up at the iconic North Narrabeen break following multiple days of competition across multiple divisions. Finals day saw competition return to North Narrabeen, closing out the event.
Read: North Narrabeen To Host Pro Junior And NN Ripper Surf Events In April 2026
Ripper Highlights
Throughout the week, a number of performances stood out across the Ripper divisions. Natalie Fensom earned ‘The Mona’s Surfer of the Day’ honours from the commentary team in the Women’s Pro Junior, surfing with confidence and control to secure a $50 award presented by The Mona.
In the Under 18 Boys, Taj Air was a consistent performer across the event, ultimately finishing runner-up. Oscar Jackson delivered under pressure in the dying seconds of his heat, attacking a critical closeout section and landing a committed float to earn a 7.33 and secure progression into the next round.
In the Under 16 Boys division, Lennox Lindsay drew attention for his ability to adapt to shifting conditions, posting a 6.67 and 7.57 to earn Surfer of the Day honours.
On finals day, Lachlan Arghyros set the tone early in the Under 18 Boys semi-finals, eliminating top seed and local standout Ben Zanatta before going on to claim the Under 18 Boys title with a 17.10 heat total. In the Under 18 Girls final, Brisa Canina found a 5.93 in the closing stages to move into first and edge out Alice Hodgson. Hugo Spierings claimed the Under 16 Boys title, with Talia Tebb taking the Under 16 Girls win. Tebb also finished second in the Pro Junior Women’s final, competing across both events.
Pro Junior: Henry and Curtis Take the Titles
In the Men’s final, Dane Henry delivered one of the standout performances of the event, posting a near-perfect 9.87 for a critical aerial manoeuvre and backing it up with an 8-point ride to take a commanding victory. Ocean Lancaster finished second, with Sammy Lowe third and Isaiah Vaealiki fourth.
In the Women’s final, Ocea Curtis took the win ahead of Talia Tebb in second and Ruby Trew in third. Grace Crosby finished fourth.
Beachside Activations
Off the water, a range of activations ran across the event, including the Mona Beach Activation with games and cornhole, the Reflections Recovery Zone ice baths and sauna, and the Surfing NSW LAB activation offering in-water coaching sessions for eliminated competitors. The Surfboard Empire tents served as a central hub where spectators could watch the LiveHeats broadcast on the big screen.
Read: North Narrabeen Bike Shop Rides Out Change Through Service and Skill
Final Results
Surfboard Empire Pro Junior presented by Florence Marine X
Women: 1st Ocea Curtis, 2nd Talia Tebb, 3rd Ruby Trew, 4th Grace Crosby Men: 1st Dane Henry, 2nd Ocean Lancaster, 3rd Sammy Lowe, 4th Isaiah Vaealiki
Surfboard Empire North Narrabeen Ripper presented by VEIA
U16 Boys: 1st Hugo Spierings, 2nd Luca Martin, 3rd equal Harrison Gibbs and Zac Johnston U16 Girls: 1st Talia Tebb, 2nd Mali Adam, 3rd equal Navah Holmes and Maddison Kenchington U18 Boys: 1st Lachlan Arghyros, 2nd Taj Air, 3rd equal Mitchell Henderson and Ben Zanatta U18 Girls: 1st Brisa Canina, 2nd Alice Hodgson, 3rd equal Poppy O’Reilly and Meika Locke
Featured image credit: Instagram/Ocea Curtis
Published 28-April-2026
