Bond University crowned 2026 UniSport Nationals Surfing champions

Bond University has claimed the overall championship at the 2026 UniSport Nationals Surfing, completing three days of competition at Ann Street Reef on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. 

Ten universities competed across the men’s and women’s shortboard, longboard and Team Challenge divisions, with Bond’s consistent performances across the program earning the university the overall title with 9,693 points. 

UTS finished second overall with 8,675 points, ahead of the University of Sydney in third with 8,185 points. 

Bond Surf Team Captain Sean Griffiths said the result reflected the contribution and support of the entire team. 

“We’re absolutely stoked to bring the overall UniSport Surfing Championship back to Bond,” Griffiths said. 

“Everyone on the team played their part, and the support for one another all week was unreal. To come away with the overall title, plus podium finishes across multiple divisions, is something we’re all really proud of. 

“Huge thanks to UniSport, the organisers and everyone who got behind us. It was an awesome week, and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year!” 

UTS secured its fourth consecutive men’s championship with 5,855 points, finishing ahead of Bond University on 4,845 points and The University of Queensland on 4,280 points. 

UTS Team Manager Paige Green said the four-peat reflected the culture the UTS Surfing Club had built over many years. 

“While we’re so proud of the result, what makes it even more rewarding is seeing so many students represent UTS, connect and create lifelong memories through university sport,” Green said. 

The University of Sydney took out the women’s championship with 5,430 points. Bond University placed second with 3,988 points, while the University of Melbourne finished third with 2,781 points. 

University of Sydney Captain Amelie Bolton said the support shared between competitors was a highlight of the event. 

“The competition was so much fun. The highlight was seeing all the women from different universities supporting and cheering for each other,” Bolton said. 

“Thank you to Surfing Queensland for a great couple of days.” 

Southern Cross University added to its medal tally by winning the Team Challenge, ahead of Bond University in second and UTS in third.

Surfing Queensland Event Manager Chris Rogers praised the standard of competition across the three-day event.

“It was great to see such a high standard of performance from all competitors across shortboard, longboard and the Team Challenge.

“The athletes showed great skill and resilience in the challenging reef break conditions at Ann Street Reef, with some impressive scores highlighting the quality of competition throughout the event.”

Team results 

Overall championship 

Gold: Bond University – 9,693 points 

Silver: UTS – 8,675 points 

Bronze: The University of Sydney – 8,185 points 

Men’s championship 

Gold: UTS – 5,855 points 

Silver: Bond University – 4,845 points 

Bronze: The University of Queensland – 4,280 points 

Women’s championship 

Gold: The University of Sydney – 5,430 points 

Silver: Bond University – 3,988 points 

Bronze: University of Melbourne – 2,781 points 

Team Challenge 

Gold: Southern Cross University 

Silver: Bond University 

Bronze: UTS 

Individual results 

Women’s shortboard 

Gold: Sarah Young – University of the Sunshine Coast 

Silver: Pia Rogers – Southern Cross University 

Bronze: Gisele Sinclair – University of the Sunshine Coast 

Men’s shortboard 

Gold: Fred Carmody – UTS 

Silver: Kyan Falvey – Southern Cross University 

Bronze: Korbin Whyte – UTS 

Women’s longboard 

Gold: Eva Sandvold – Bond University 

Silver: Lyla Wilson – Bond University 

Bronze: Malu Bow – Griffith University 

Men’s longboard 

Gold: Kyan Falvey – Southern Cross University 

Silver: Riley Thompson – University of the Sunshine Coast 

Bronze: Xavier Robertson-Reynolds – Macquarie University 

UniSport Australia thanks Surfing Queensland for its support in bringing the event to life, along with every student-athlete, university team and event official who contributed to a memorable three days of competition.