Perth’s iconic Scarborough Beach is set to host a spectacular new surfing event the weekend of November 7-8, as 20 of Western Australia’s most exciting surfers prepare to take to the skies at Red Bull Aeriality.
A free event, Red Bull Aeriality will see surfers compete in head-to-head knockout heats, using jet skis to accelerate into the waves before releasing the tow rope and launching into the air.
Current World Surf League World Junior Champion Dane Henry will be swapping his surfboard for a microphone and a seat on the judging panel.
“I’ve been so fired up since I first heard about Red Bull Aeriality. It’s gonna be sick!” said Henry.
“Towing means you go so much faster than you do in a regular surf. If you can hit the biggest section with just the right amount of speed, you’ll fly.”
The innovative competition will see 16 male and four female surfers use jet ski assistance to launch lofty aerial manoeuvres and spectacular rotations, high above the Indian Ocean.
Unlike traditional surfing competitions, where athletes rely on the power of a wave to generate speed, Red Bull Aeriality adds horsepower to the equation, opening the door to bigger airs of regular sections, unlocking a new realm of technical tricks, and unleashing a whole new level of aerial progression.
Competitors will be judged across three categories: Innovation, Elevation and Progression, rewarding creativity, height, technical difficulty and the ability to land their manoeuvres cleanly.
Western Australian surfing icon Taj Burrow, another member of the judging panel, believes the event will bring a welcome dose of excitement and creativity to the local surfing scene.
“There were air shows all the time when I was growing up. I used to love them, and how they push progression. I can’t wait to watch it all go down!” Burrows said.
“Airshows definitely have a different vibe to a regular comp. They can bring in some pretty loose characters but don’t be fooled, those guys still fire up and get super competitive.”
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin AM said they were proud to support Red Bull Aeriality.
“Scarborough Beach had hosted plenty of surfing competitions over the decades, but nothing quite like this one,” he said.
“I’m excited to see what these athletes can do when they have a jet ski powering them into the surf.
“I’d encourage everyone to get down to Scarborough Beach for some free high-flying entertainment,” the Mayor said.
With 20-minute heats, 30-minute finals and a winner-takes-all format, Red Bull Aeriality promises high-flying action, as some of WA’s most progressive surfers compete to see who can go higher, further and bolder.
Jerome Forest, Jack Thomas, Maverick Wilson and Macklin Flynn headline the men’s field, while Willow and Olive Hardy, Isi Campbell and Claire Bevilacqua will battle for the women’s title.
Red Bull Aeriality takes place at Scarborough Beach, Perth, on November 7 or 8, 2026, depending on surf conditions.
Keep an eye on Red Bull Australia socials on Instagram, X and TikTok for updates.
