Z Manu World Champs to Expand Schedule for 2027
The international jumping competition adds an Australian championship event to its fourth season.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Surfing
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Organizers have unveiled the 2027 Z Manu World Champs schedule, which includes an expansion into Australia. The upcoming season will feature a multi-day championship event on the Gold Coast.
Why it matters
The expansion marks the competition's growth into international waters during its fourth season. The series will continue to host events across multiple New Zealand cities before concluding in Auckland.
Competitors will execute jumps from a 7m x 19m floating pontoon during the events. The 2027 season represents the fourth year of the competition.
The players
Z Energy
Z Energy is the naming rights partner for the world championship competition.
The details
Athletes are set to compete in the Z Manu World Champs, which utilizes a floating pontoon for high-stakes jumps. Additionally, ten wildcards can qualify for the Grand Finals Day through video submissions.
Timeline
Registrations for the competition open on October 27, 2026.
The season kicks off in Dunedin on December 5, 2026.
The Australian Manu Champs take place February 5-7, 2027, on the Gold Coast.
The Grand Final takes place April 3-4, 2027, at Karanga Plaza in Auckland.
Season Trajectory
This international expansion signifies a growth in the global reach of the Z Manu World Champs following the 2026 season. The inclusion of an Australian event changes the competitive scope from a New Zealand-centric series to a broader regional tour.
Prospective participants must register starting October 27, 2026, to secure their spot in the fourth season. Aspiring finalists should prepare video submissions to compete for one of the 10 available wildcard entries into the Grand Final.
The takeaway
The addition of the Australian championship highlights a shift toward a more expansive international format for the sport. Athletes looking to compete should focus on their technical skills for the 7m x 19m pontoon jumps before the season begins in December.
Further reading
For more updates on upcoming events, visit the Surfing section.
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