The World Surf League (WSL) Asia Pacific (APAC) today announced a new partnership with Rivvia Projects, who will join Newcastle SURFEST as the Official Apparel Partner. Founded and operated by former Championship Tour (CT) surfer, Olympian and SURFEST winner Julian Wilson (AUS), the brand will supply event merchandise for the final stop of the 2025–26 Challenger Series (CS) season.
Though only a few years old, Rivvia Projects has strong connections to Surfest and its deep local heritage. The Newcastle-based brand is led by Wilson, who calls the city home, alongside co-owner Ryan Callinan (AUS), a current CS competitor and former CT surfer, reinforcing Rivvia’s close ties to both the event and the region. The Rivvia Projects team also includes two surfers sitting near the top of the CS rankings, Mateus Herdy (BRA) and Hiroto Ohhara (JPN), who will be hoping to punch their ticket onto the CT when the event takes place in March.
“It’s extremely fitting to see Rivvia Projects come on board in support of Newcastle SURFEST, especially in celebration of its 40th anniversary,” said WSL APAC President Andrew Stark. “So much of the brand’s identity comes from the city it was founded in – a city that is synonymous with SURFEST. It’s exciting to see a fresh brand so engaged with Challenger Series surfers supporting such an iconic event.”
The Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST will feature an on-site retail activation from Rivvia Projects, selling both event merchandise and the latest Rivvia ranges and gear.
“We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with the WSL and getting behind this year’s Surfest event here in Newcastle,” said Julin Wilson. “This event has such a rich history in Australian surfing, and it’s always held a special place in my heart, especially having been lucky enough to win it in the past. To now support it through my brand, Rivvia Projects, as a proud Newcastle-based business, it feels pretty surreal. Surfest is iconic. It’s part of the fabric of this community and the competitive culture of surfing I grew up in, which shaped my career. Being able to back a local event on a global tour, and do it alongside local competitors like our own Ryan Callinan, who isn’t just a team rider but a genuine part of what we’re building – this is something I’ve dreamed of doing. It means a lot, both as a brand and to me personally.”
The Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST Presented By Bonsoy will take place March 9 – 15, 2026.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
