Bonny Hills announced as venue for Surf Reflections Junior Series in 2026

THE Reflections Cadet Cup surfing tournament will expand into three events as the Surf Reflections Junior Series in 2026.

The debut Cup was held at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills in February 2024, thanks to a partnership between holiday park group Reflections and surfing festival Surfest, with Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s girls and boys categories.

A 5500-rated event on Surfing Australia’s National Series calendar, the Cup was quickly embraced by surfing and board riding groups along the coast, with a second event held in December at Tuncurry’s Nine Mile Beach.

“This event has grown in both entries and scale of activities, including food pop-ups and youth workshops, and we are thrilled that in 2026 it will become the Surf Reflections Junior Series, with three events – Bonny Hills (6-8 February), Urunga/Hungry Head (8-10 May) and Tuncurry/Forster (13-15 November), with Under 14s and 16s age categories for boys and girls,” Reflections CEO Nick Baker said.

Surfest director Warren Smith said the Cup had cemented itself as an important event for youth surfers up and down the East Coast.

“The Reflections Cadet Cup, now known as the Surf Reflections Junior Series, has grown immensely and with the standard of surfing rising with it, we are creating the next generation of Australian surfers,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s been really exciting to watch the talent emerge and the support from the surfing communities has been the glue that has ensured its success.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said it was great to see the success of the inaugural Cadet Cup lead to its expansion to a three-event series next year.

“Reflections Holidays manages holiday parks on Crown land at some of the NSW’s best surf breaks so it’s fitting to see it help nurture the next generation of surf champions while supporting regional tourism by hosting the new Series,” Mr Kamper said.