Some of Australia’s best and most experienced longboard surfers are getting excited about the return of one of the country’s most iconic events, with the 23rd Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic set to splash down at Isolated Reef in Cottesloe next week.
The Whalebone Classic was established in 1998 after local longboarder Peter Dunn, discovered a whale’s rib bone immersed in the surf at Cottesloe and decided to host a longboarding competition in memory of the whale’s spirit.
The 2022 Whalebone Longboard Classic will be a special one, as it marks a long-awaited return for the event after a two year hiatus due to COVID-19 cancellations. The Whalebone has once again attracted an elite field of competitors who will battle it out along Perth’s metropolitan coast at an event that oozes good vibes and fun times.
Over 100 local and regional longboarders are set to converge on Cottesloe for the three-day competition, as well as those from as far a field as New South Wales and Queensland, who will be crossing the Nullarbor to savour some West Australian hospitality.
Dunsborough’s Jack Medland is the reigning Men’s Longboard Champion and is excited to get back to business at the Whalebone.
“I always look forward to competing at the Whalebone Classic,” said Medland. “It’s going to be good just bringing all the surfing tribes together again after so long, I’ve been working on some new shapes just for this event.”
Multiple Whalebone Classic champion Georgia Young (Perth) will headline the Women’s division and will be drawing from her years of experience competing at her local break. Young is confident the competition will bring good vibes no matter of the conditions.
“The vibe at the Whalebone is incredible, it has such a great social atmosphere and it’s a real celebration of longboarding in WA,” said Young. “I’m really looking forward to it and hope the sun is shinning, the waves are pumping and people are loving the return of the Whalebone.”
The Whalebone Classic combines a total of 15 divisions, with Under-18 Juniors to Over-70 Grand Legends on offer.
“It’s been a long wait, but we are all very excited to welcome back the Whalebone Longboard Classic,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks. “This year will mark the event’s 23rd anniversary, which is a testament to its success and the support from the local community.”
The Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic is much more that just a surfing competition, with an impressive social calendar of events and activities for people to get involved with, as well as onsite catering, surf stalls, live music and much, much more.
You can follow all the live scores & results via www.surfingwalive.com. For more information on this or any other WA event series be sure to log onto www.surfingwa.com.au and check out all the Surfing WA social media platforms for event updates and information.
Surfing WA acknowledges the State Government’s support through the Road Safety Commission and reminds all our traveling competitors and families of the dangers of sending a text message or using a mobile phone while behind the wheel – Remember #NoTxtNoWrecks.
ABOUT THE WHALEBONE LONGBOARD CLASSIC:
The Whalebone Classic was born in 1998 after local longboarder Peter Dunn, discovered a whale’s rib bone immersed in the surf at Isolators and decided to host a longboarding competition in memory of the whale’s spirit. Two decades later, the competition has grown to become a much-loved tradition within the local longboarding community.
