Welcome to Duke’s Day 2026 - Celebrate the Spirit of Surfing
Aloha and welcome to Duke’s Day 2026, the annual Australian celebration honoring Duke Kahanamoku—the father of modern surfing, Olympic champion, and ambassador of Aloha. This is a weekend where the ocean brings us together, connecting surfers, water enthusiasts, and community members from around the world.
Whether you ride waves, paddle, dive, or simply love the water, Duke’s Day is for everyone who shares a passion for the ocean. From sunrise photo, surf sessions to cultural ceremonies, lively gatherings, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for every ocean adventurer to enjoy.
What to Expect:
Date: 08-10 January 2026
Location: Freshwater, NSW
Join us in celebrating Duke’s enduring legacy - a spirit of Aloha, community, and love for the ocean that continues to inspire generations.
Come ride the waves, share the stoke, and make memories that honor Duke’s vision of surf, sea, and community.
Aloha and welcome to Duke’s Day 2026, the annual Australian celebration honoring Duke Kahanamoku—the father of modern surfing, Olympic champion, and ambassador of Aloha. This is a weekend where the ocean brings us together, connecting surfers, water enthusiasts, and community members from around the world.
Whether you ride waves, paddle, dive, or simply love the water, Duke’s Day is for everyone who shares a passion for the ocean. From sunrise photo, surf sessions to cultural ceremonies, lively gatherings, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for every ocean adventurer to enjoy.
What to Expect:
- Iconic sunrise photo
- Surfing events including women, longboarders, shortboarders, SUP riders, Indigenous and adaptive surfers
- Cultural celebrations like the Lei Draping Ceremony and hula performances
- Community gatherings, beach picnics, live music, and Aloha vibes
- Kombi displays honoring surf culture
- Beach markets to find a little surf inspired artisans goods to buy
Date: 08-10 January 2026
Location: Freshwater, NSW
Join us in celebrating Duke’s enduring legacy - a spirit of Aloha, community, and love for the ocean that continues to inspire generations.
Come ride the waves, share the stoke, and make memories that honor Duke’s vision of surf, sea, and community.
THURSDAY, 8 JANUARY 2026
THURSDAY, 8 JANUARY 2026
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Aloha Opening Night
6pm Thursday 8 Jan Freshwater Brewing Company 9 Powells Road, Brookvale Entry is foc RSVP essential |
FRIDAY, 9 JANUARY 2026
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Welcome to Country & Lei Draping
10am Friday 9 Jan Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue & Commemorative Park, Freshwater Public event, no booking required |
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Waterwoman's Picnic
A relaxed, joyful gathering for women of all ages and water passions—whether you surf, paddle, swim, or simply feel at home by the ocean. 12pm - 3pm Friday 9 Jan Freshwater SLSC Heritage Lawn, Freshwater Public event, entry is foc RSVP preferred |
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Land & Sea Film Series
Connected by Sea Produced and Directed by Jemma Piggot WATERMAN Directed by Isaac Halasima, Narrated by Jason Mamoa 6pm Friday 9 Jan Harbord Diggers, 88 Evans St, Freshwater |
SATURDAY, 10 JANUARY 2026
SATURDAY, 10 JANUARY 2026
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Freshie Social Swim
Hosted by Freshie Sunrise Swims 7am Sat 10 Jan Freshwater Beach Public event, register now or on the day |
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Beach Markets & Kombi Display
Surf Supplies ~ Ocean Artists ~ Marine Protection ~ Local Treats 8am - 2pm Sat 10 Jan Freshwater Beach grassy park Public event, no booking required; market stall holders EOI |
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Ocean Cinematography
An evening of ocean storytelling, creativity and connection with a special presentation by Hawaiian Tom Pahoku Stone 6pm Saturday 10 Jan Brooky Surf Club, 180 Harbord Rd, Brookvale Ticketed event, $35.00 per person or grab a family & friends bundle |
SUNDAY, 11 JANUARY 2026
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Sunday Recovery Sessions
Wind down and enjoy a specially formulated Duke's Day cocktail from 12pm Sunday 10 Jan Harbord Hotel, 29 Moore Rd, Freshwater Public event, all are welcome |
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