Having fun in the foam
A forecast week of rain gave way to sunshine and clean swell as about 40 Air Force members contested the 2026 Air Force Surf Riders Association (AFSRA) Festival of Surfing at Crescent Head in NSW.
During the four-day event, competitors chased the best conditions on offer across the mid-north coast. Dawn patrols scouted local breaks each morning, and the whole camp, including competitors, judges and volunteers, packed up and moved to wherever the surf was firing.
Heats ran across Open Shortboard, Longboard, Masters (35+), Kahunas (45+), Women’s, Bodyboard and Stand-Up Paddleboard, drawing members of every age and ability. Between heats, everyone pitched in to haul judging tents and equipment up the beach.
LAC Justin Wells took out both the Open Longboard and Masters titles at his first festival, having transferred to Air Force from Army. His Masters win, surfed in a bright costume, became one of the most talked-about moments of the week.
“I thought the costume might disadvantage me, but the week is about connecting, having fun and getting in the water,” LAC Wells said.
'If you didn't win, it didn't matter. As long as you turned up, put on a jersey, surfed your heat and had a go. That was the intent of the week.'
The week’s standout for the newcomer was not a result but a spontaneous foam board session at the point, where more than 10 surfers shared party waves.
“That was the vibe of the whole week! Everyone getting involved and having a good time,” he said.
“There was no pressure to be good or have heaps of experience. It was about learning, networking, having a good time and just being stoked to go surfing.
“If you didn't win, it didn't matter. As long as you turned up, put on a jersey, surfed your heat and had a go. That was the intent of the week.”
That spirit held up even in the closing stages of competition.
“In the Longboard final, whenever someone caught a wave, everyone else was cheering for them, even though you’re technically surfing against each other,” LAC Wells said.
He said he had seen few opportunities like it before joining Air Force.
“It builds morale and inclusiveness and brings people together through a shared interest,” he said.
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