Dane Henry, one of Australia’s most talented young surfers, will get a chance to compete among the world’s best when the CT season kicks off. Photo: Rip Curl
Some Championship Tour news to remind us that the eternal seven-month offseason is nearing its end: Dane Henry, one of Australia’s most promising young talents, will be present when the season kicks off at Bells Beach.
The 19-year-old Henry received a CT wildcard in grand fashion. Three-time world champ Mick Fanning showed up at his door to surprise him with the lycra for the debut event of the 2026 season.
“Are you serious…?” Henry said in shock when receiving the jersey. He genuinely looked surprised.
“Holy shit. That’s insane. Let’s go. Fired up,” he continued.
It’s been more than a decade since an Aussie man took home the world title. Mick Fanning last did it in 2013. But Henry’s emergence as of late is showing signs that perhaps he is the promised one to bring a title back to Australia.
In September, Henry won the Gold Medal at the ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador, adding to the ISA Junior gold that he won in 2024. While the field of competitors was largely deprived of CT talent, Henry’s feat put him in an elite category of surfers who have an ISA junior and open gold. Only Tom Curren, Gabriel Medina, and Jordy Smith have done it. Being on that list surely indicates a bright future for Henry.
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Henry’s success at the ISA team events is also beginning to translate over to the WSL’s Qualification Series. He secured his first QS win at Newcastle in November. He also won the WSL junior championships last month in the Philippines.
Henry gave thanks for the opportunity on his Instagram account.
“Massive thanks to the whole team at Rip Curl for this opportunity,” he wrote. “Thanks for believing in me. Hope to do all of you proud on the bowl!!!”
“Massive thanks to Mick Fanning for the wisdom and surprise. (It) was one of the coolest moments of my life,” he added.
Now we’ll get to see how Henry fares against the world’s best at Bells Beach. It should serve as a valuable experience as he looks to qualify for the tour himself in the years to come.
