The 2026 Margaret River Classic delivered three action-packed days of competition at Surfers Point, with a record 138 surfers from across Australia battling for titles, bragging rights, and a wildcard into the 2027 Margaret River Pro Trials.
Competitors faced a full spectrum of conditions throughout the event, with shifting winds, weather and building swell testing the field. The surf built to 6-8 foot on finals day, as Surfers Point served up powerful conditions, exceptional surfing and heavy wipeouts, culminating in a thrilling Open Men’s.
SPENCE SHINES IN OPEN MEN’S FINAL
The Settlers Tavern Open Men final, presented by Gage Roads, saw Margaret River’s Ben Spence deliver a commanding performance, opening with a near perfect 9.67-point ride (out of 10), to put his opponents under pressure from the outset.
Spence went on to claim victory with a 15.70 two wave total, securing the Open Men’s title and a wildcard into the 2027 Margaret River Pro Trials, while the battle for the remaining podium positions intensified in the closing minutes.
Yallingup’s Maverick Wilson posted an excellent 8.17 to secure second place, ahead of Cowaramup’s Macklin Flynn, who scored a 7.50 to finish third. Reigning Australian Under 21 Champion Okie Fraser, from Margaret River, rounded out the final in fourth place.
Bronte Macaulay claimed the Open Women’s title and secured her wildcard into the 2027 Margaret River Pro Trials. Photo: Ari Wolfl.
MACAULAY CLAIMS NARROW VICTORY IN WOMEN’S FINAL
The Common Open Women’s Final featured a star-studded field, including former Championship Tour surfer Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown), rising junior talents Olive Hardy and Leila Fraser, and Australia/Oceania Qualifying Series competitor Willow Hardy.
With Olive and Leila ranked second and fifth respectively on the Surfing Australia Under 18 Junior Series, and Willow sitting 13th on the Australia/Oceania Women’s Qualifying Series rankings, the final brought together an impressive mix of established experience and emerging talent.
In a seesawing battle, just 0.20 points separated the top two finishers, with Macaulay edging out Olive Hardy to claim the Open Women’s title and secure her wildcard into the 2027 Margaret River Pro Trials. Willow Hardy finished third, ahead of Leila Fraser in fourth.
Jake Scott takes out the Pro Junior Under 21 Final. Photo: Ari Wolfl.
SCOTT TAKES OUT PRO JUNIOR TITLE
The White Elephant Pro Junior Under 21 Final delivered another exciting showdown, with Trigg Beach’s Jake Scott producing an impressive performance to claim the title.
Cowaramup’s Macklin Flynn finished runner-up, followed by Margaret River’s Reef Lange in third and Yallingup’s Kade Martin in fourth.
Andrew Sheridan secured victory in the Over 40’s Final and finished third in the Over 50’s. Photo: Ari Wolfl.
EXPERIENCED SURFERS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
The Tyrepower Over 50’s Final unfolded in increasingly powerful surf, with a building swell adding to the challenge for competitors.
Big-wave surfing veteran Paul Paterson, a former third-place finisher of the prestigious Eddie Aikau event at Waimea Bay, claimed victory ahead of reigning WA Over 50’s State Champion Tony Farris. Margaret River’s Andrew Sheridan finished third, with Albany’s Paul Dupuy taking fourth.
In the IPG Advisors Over 40’s Final, Andrew Sheridan delivered a standout performance to secure victory over Trigg’s Luke Campbell. North Fremantle’s Luke Wylie finished third, ahead of Cronulla’s Jay Mackenzie in fourth.
Jerome Forrest on his way to winning the highly anticipated Locals Final. Photo: Ari Wolfl.
LOCAL PRIDE ON THE LINE
One of the most anticipated heats of the event, the Beachlife Locals Final, saw Cowaramup’s Jerome Forrest take a convincing win and bragging rights over defending champion George Simpson (Gracetown). Margaret River Boardriders President Josh Burke and Jed Mattison placed third and fourth respectively, with all delivering a magnificent display of classic Margaret River power surfing.
FAMILY RIVALRIES & PADDLE RACE DRAMA
The Sessions Surf Shop Parent/Offspring Final once again celebrated the region’s strong surfing heritage, brining generations together for a spirited family showdown.
Local father and daughter duo Rohan and Stella Annesley emerged victorious from an all-star field of surfing families.
Meanwhile, the Naomi Vanhaeften Hair Stylist Keyhole Paddle Race produced one of the quickest finishes in the events history, with five surfers reaching Margaret River’s famous keyhole almost simultaneously.
Margaret Rivers Reef Lange and Cyrus Cox raced up the Surfers Point staircase together, with Lange’s youthful speed ultimately securing him the victory.
SPECIALITY AWARDS
Safestyle fastest surfer: Macklin Flynn
IPG Advisors Biggest Send: Willow Hardy
Aussie Battler award: Jay Mackenzie
Salty Crews Biggest Air: Jolan Bonelli
Margaret River Woodfired Bread Expression Session: Jolan Bonelli
Gath best wipeout award: Jed Mattison
Boardstore Wave of the Event: Ben Spence, for his 9.67 in the Open Men’s final
Joker Surfboards Best and Biggest Turn of the event: Olive Hardy
A huge thank you to the event sponsors, volunteers and Margaret River Boardriders for delivery another successful edition of the Margaret River Classic.
Words: Tony Farris / Margaret River Boardriders
Photos: Ari Wolfl
Main Image: Margaret River’s Ben Spence claimed the Open Men’s title and a wildcard into the 2027 Margaret River Pro Trials.
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