Ocean Queen Classic: 3rd all-women comp to reign at Woonona

The Ocean Queen Surf Classic will be back at Woonona Beach on 28 March, writes Anna Martin

by Anna Martin

Published March 19, 2026

The Ocean Queen Surf Classic will celebrate its third year at Woonona Beach on Saturday, 28 March, and the all-women’s event is already proving its worth as more than just a local contest.

Launched in 2024 as the Illawarra’s first all-female invitational, the OQC has become a favourite among up-and-coming surfers.

With equal focus on junior and open divisions, contest directors Yvonne Turner and Kirby Mowbray say the goal has always been to create a professional‑quality platform for women and girls in a traditionally male‑dominated sport.

“The initial idea came because there wasn’t anything out there just for women and girls, so we wanted to create an event that the girls would love to compete in and that would give them a helping hand in terms of prize money and exposure,” Kirby said.

It’s an idea that’s clearly working, with more Ocean Queen Classic surfers now competing – and getting results – around Australia and the world.

Gerringong’s Lucy Darragh, who first won the junior crown at OQC, has become Australia’s top‑ranked under‑16 girl and recently claimed a breakthrough victory at the ultra-competitive World Surf League Qualifying Series Nias Pro.

Regular OQC finalist Oceanna Rogers has also stepped onto the international stage with a runner‑up finish at the 2024 Nias Pro and another runner‑up finish at the 2025 Phillip Island Pro.

Culburra’s Keira Buckpitt, a past OQC winner, recently became the 2025 Australian Open Women’s Shortboard Champion and will represent Australia at the World Surfing Games.

“When you look at what surfers like Lucy, Oceanna, and Keira are doing now, it’s nice to think that the Ocean Queen Classic has contributed in some way to that success, be it through prize money helping with travel or extra exposure as a result of the competition,” Kirby said.

This year’s Ocean Queen Classic will again run junior and open women’s divisions from 7.30am, with finals in the afternoon and presentations at Woonona SLSC, and Woonona Beach as the preferred venue with nearby breaks on standby.