Elite longboarding talent, classic equipment and near-perfect heats were on full display last weekend as the Indian Ocean Longboard Club hosted the 41st annual Yallingup Malibu Classic on December 6 and 7 at the iconic Yallingup Main Break.
The premier Open divisions delivered high-performance surfing across both days, with Maddie Barrett claiming the Open Women’s title and Jack Medland securing the Open Men’s crown after a dominant showing throughout the event.
The Old Mal divisions once again showcased the art of traditional longboarding, with Samantha Vanderford winning the Old Mal Women (Pre-1968) and defending champion Anthony Spencer backing up his reputation by taking out the Old Mal Open Men (Pre-1968). Spencer also added the prestigious Nose Ride Trophy to his tally, a rare double achievement on classic 1960s equipment.
Pictured: Jack Medland styling to victory in the Open Men’s. Photo: Mick Marlin.
Pictured: Maddie Barrett in full flight on her way Open Women’s victory. Photo: Mick Marlin.
One of the standout performances of the weekend came in the Over 40 Men’s division, where Daniel Holding pushed towards a perfect heat total with two nine-point rides on his way to victory.
The next generation of longboarders continued to impress, with Kai Flynn successfully defending his Junior title from 2024. At the other end of the age spectrum, Bob Monkman claimed top honours in the Over 70 Men division after another inspiring performance.
Additional winners included: O40 Women: Shae Sheridan, O50 Women: Amanda Curley, O50 Men: Burky, O55 Men: Adam Lane, O60 Men: Doug Carruthers, O65 Men: Bill Gibson, and Old Mal O50: Kevin Anderson.
Off the water, the 2025 event delivered several powerful milestones for the club and the longboarding community. The Yal Mal recorded its largest-ever junior turnout and welcomed a record 44 event sponsors, reflecting the continued growth and strength of the event.
A major emotional highlight was the unveiling of the first-ever perpetual Open Women’s trophy. Club President Evan Ledger commissioned the trophy and had it pre-dated to 1999 when the competition began, with all previous winners engraved to honour the division’s legacy.
The event also raised over $4,000 for the Cancer Council through a surfboard raffle held in memory of longboarder John Haddow’s granddaughter, Mina, who sadly lost her battle with brain cancer earlier this year at the age of three.
Club President Evan Ledger said the 2025 Yal Mal was a powerful reflection of both elite surfing and community connection.
“To see the level of surfing on display, the support for the juniors, the emotion around the women’s trophy and the generosity shown through our fundraiser made this one of the most special Yal Mals we have ever had,” said Ledger. “It was a great weekend – successful all round.”
Final scores and full results are available via LiveHeats.
More information and photo galleries can be found via the Indian Ocean Longboard Club.
The Women’s Old Mal competitors celebrating another iconic Yal Mal lineup. Photo: Mick Marlin.
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