NRMA Insurance has entered into a new partnership with Surfing Australia, becoming the presenting sponsor of the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB).
The event, claimed by Surfing Australia to be one of the world’s largest team-based surfing competitions and Australia’s top club surfing contest, will now be officially titled the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle presented by NRMA Insurance.
The competition, structured as a tag team format, requires each club to field five surfers, including two Open competitors, one Open female, one Junior (male or female), and one over-35 Master (male or female), with additional reserve surfers.
Over 85 clubs will participate in regional qualifying rounds, with 42 teams advancing to the Grand Final, scheduled for March 8-9 at Burleigh Heads, Queensland.
As the event’s presenting partner, NRMA Insurance will receive brand exposure at the Grand Final and through nationwide broadcasts on Foxtel, Kayo Freebies, and YouTube. The insurer will also introduce the NRMA Insurance Power Surfer initiative, where each club designates a competitor to surf twice in a strategic bid to secure victory.
Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater (pictured right) emphasised the broader impact of the partnership.
“This partnership goes beyond competition – it’s an investment in the future of Australian surfing. It’s about nurturing the next generation of champions and bringing people together to create a stronger, more connected surfing community. And that is something worth celebrating,” he said.
NRMA Insurance chief customer and marketing officer Michelle Klein (pictured left) said the event was in alignment with the insurer’s commitment to supporting local communities.
“We are proud to be partnering with Surfing Australia and supporting this unique event which represents the community spirit of Boardrider clubs around the country and plays an important role in fostering grassroots surfing,” she said.
Since its inception in 2013, the ABB has contributed more than $1.2 million to boardrider clubs across Australia.
The Grand Final will return to Burleigh Heads for a second year, featuring a demanding course where competitors must navigate a run from Burleigh Hill through the national park and over rocky terrain before paddling out to surf.
The event has historically drawn participation from leading Australian surfers, including seven-time world champion Layne Beachley, three-time world champion Mick Fanning, and former world champions Joel Parkinson and Mark Occhilupo.
Reigning champions Burleigh Boardriders will look to defend their title at the 2025 event.
NRMA Insurance’s involvement in the Hyundai ABB follows its recently announced partnership with the Adelaide Fringe, aimed at increasing arts accessibility in South Australia.
Under the agreement, NRMA Insurance will serve as the festival’s presenting partner, matching public donations made through ticket checkouts and the Pay It Forward program. The initiative is designed to reduce financial and social barriers to festival participation.