More than 80 serving personnel, veterans and their family members converged on the URBNSURF Sydney artificial wave pool for the third annual Battle of the Break surfing event last month.

The weekend of November 22-23 was hosted by the Association of Veteran Surfers (AVS) in partnership with the Australian Defence Force Surf Riders Association (ADFSRA).

It featured coached surf sessions, competition and a family learn-to-surf activity, aiming to strengthen bonds across generations of service.

AVS president Matt Hoare said surfing was more than a sport, it was a space for community building.

“AVS was created nine years ago with the vision to support veterans and their wellbeing through ocean therapy and mateship,” Mr Hoare said.

“Getting together with the ADFSRA crew once a year for the Battle of the Break gives us a rare chance to come together; not just as competitors but as people who have a unique appreciation of the sport based on our individual experiences while serving.

“That common experience breeds an immediate sense of belonging and mutual support. It's central to why this event matters.”

'You don’t often get serving members and veterans in the same space like this.'

Despite several ADFSRA members delivering strong performances, the AVS team claimed overall victory for the third year in a row, in a testament to their depth and dedication.

One of the surfers, Navy Lieutenant Owen Griffin, said it was important for serving members to meet veterans in a relaxed, supportive space.

“You sense an immediate bond when you talk with people who’ve been there before and connecting the dots of shared experiences, lived decades apart," Lieutenant Griffin said.

“It’s also really inspiring knowing the place surfing has in their life post-service.”

Lance Corporal Ella McIndoe said the mix of competition and community was what made the event powerful.

“You don’t often get serving members and veterans in the same space like this,” Lance Corporal McIndoe said.

“It’s a reminder that wellbeing isn’t just about fitness; it’s about community and having fun. Without this sport, we’d probably never have a reason to get to know each other.”

The event was made viable thanks to a grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which helped with venue hire, coaching and judging.