WSL APAC Partners with Rivvia Projects for Newcastle SURFEST 40th Anniversary

World Surf League Asia Pacific (WSL APAC) has announced a high-profile partnership with Rivvia Projects, naming the Newcastle-based brand as the Official Apparel Partner for the upcoming Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST.

The deal carries significant local weight, as Rivvia Projects was founded and is operated by former Championship Tour (CT) star, Olympian, and past SURFEST champion Julian Wilson.

The partnership arrives as SURFEST celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. As the final stop of the 2025–26 Challenger Series (CS) season, the event serves as the ultimate “qualification showdown,” where the world’s best emerging talent will compete for a coveted spot on the 2026 Championship Tour.

Commenting on the partnership, WSL APAC president, Andrew Stark, said: “It’s extremely fitting to see Rivvia Projects come on board in support of Newcastle SURFEST, especially in celebration of its 40th anniversary.”

“So much of the brand’s identity comes from the city it was founded in – a city that is synonymous with SURFEST,” Stark said.

A Home-Grown Commercial Synergy

The agreement includes the supply of all event merchandise and a dedicated on-site retail activation at Merewether Beach.

The brand’s deep ties to the region are reinforced by its leadership team; Wilson, a resident of Newcastle, co-owns the business alongside current Challenger Series competitor Ryan Callinan, further embedding the brand into the “fabric” of the local surfing community.

The festival, which attracts over 800 competitors across nine different events, remains a cornerstone of the New South Wales regional economy. 

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