- Georgia Young extends legacy with ninth Open Women’s title and a Logger crown
- Jack Medland defends Open Men’s crown and claims the Old Mal division
- Evan Ledger cleans up with wins in Nose Rider and Open Men’s Logger
- More than 120 competitors aged 11 to 77 celebrated longboarding’s spirit in Cottesloe
Finals day at the 2025 Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic, presented by The Post Newspapers, delivered the best conditions seen in years at Isolated Reef, with light winds and glassy 2–2.5ft lines greeting surfers and spectators alike for a spectacular finish to one of WA’s most iconic surf events.
Held over three days at Cottesloe’s spiritual home of longboarding, the 26th Whalebone Classic drew more than 120 competitors across 15 divisions, from juniors to Grand Legends. The event continues to honour the legacy of its founder, Peter Dunn, who discovered a whale’s rib in the surf at Isolator’s in 1998 and turned it into a celebration of traditional longboarding.
Georgia Young (Perth) and Jack Medland (Dunsborough) once again stole the show, claiming double victories and cementing their names among the greats of WA longboarding.
Open Men’s Final: Medland Hits Another Gear
Jack Medland (Dunsborough) claimed back-to-back Open Men’s titles in a standout final, going wave-for-wave with close friend and fellow Moonshine Surfboards owner Evan Ledger (Yallingup).
Medland opened strong, but Ledger hit back to take the lead midway through the heat. Ryan Clark (Dunsborough) entered the mix with two stylish rides, but Medland surged ahead again with an 8.00, then sealed the deal with an 8.77 and 8.33 in the final minutes, finishing with three excellent scores and a 17.10 heat total (out of a possible 20), the highest of the event.
“It was a great heat,” said Medland. “The conditions were beautiful – clean, offshore, and really contestable. That gives you the confidence to go a bit bigger.”
He credited his performance in part to the board design he helped develop with Ledger:
“It’s a bit wider with concave underneath to give more lift. Evan was on the same model and absolutely ripped. It’s the Moonshine magic,” he laughed.
Ledger finished runner-up with a 7.67 and 6.83, Clark placed third, and Jock Bahen (Cowaramup), a Whalebone regular, placed fourth after a strong start to the event.
Georgia Young Claims Record Ninth Title
Georgia Young (Perth) extended her Whalebone reign with a record-setting ninth Open Women’s Longboard title with a last-minute 8.40 ride in one of the most competitive finals the event has seen.
Young opened with a composed 7.67, but was soon chasing down current State Champion Maddie Barrett (Cottesloe), who responded with a powerful 8.10. With time running out, Young found the wave she needed, linking graceful turns and a critical nose ride to post an 8.40 and claim the win.
“I had myself on the edge of the seat,” laughed Young. “The girls were scoring so high, I just knew I had to surf my absolute best to even be in the mix. That final wave lined up beautifully and let me surf how I wanted to surf. I was just lucky that the opportunity came.”
“Maddie, Layla (Deighton, from Margaret River) and Selina (Sterker, from East Fremantle) were incredible. That was probably the most competitive final we’ve had in a long time. It was amazing.”
Young also claimed the Open Women’s Logger, locking in early scores of 8.00 and 7.83 and setting the tone from the outset.
“The conditions were as good as Iso’s gets – glassy, clean, just perfect for nose riding and turns,” said Young. “I was trying to control my excitement out there because it was just so fun. Once I got two solid scores, I was able to relax and enjoy the heat.”
She praised the rising standard of the women’s field:
“Every year the level gets better and better. I’ve got to keep stepping up my game because the girls were surfing so beautifully.”
Ledger Lights Up the Logger and Nose Rider
Evan Ledger (Yallingup) was in peak form on finals day, kicking things off with a powerful win in the Open Men’s Logger, the first heat of the day to see multiple excellent scores dropped, setting the tone for what was to come.
Riding a heavy, traditional log with no leg rope, Ledger wowed the judges with a stylish 360-degree turn for a 7.87, followed by a heat-winning 8.40 featuring smooth turns and multiple nose rides to lock in the win.
“The waves were so good, and I was just out there surfing with some of my closest mates, it doesn’t get better than that,” said Ledger. “We were chatting the whole final, just having a laugh. That’s the best kind of surfing.”
Runner-up Ryan Clark (Dunsborough) pulled off an impressive cover-up and somehow emerged through the curtain to earn a 7.60, then following it with a 7.87. Jack Medland (Dunsborough) was close behind in third with a 7.73 and 7.27, while Jock Bahen (Cowaramup) and Jacob McIvor (Rockingham) also posted high scores in the 7s.
“I used my priority to get that 8.40, it was a cracker. I was so nervous just waiting for the clock to run down after that,” Ledger said. “It’s my 10th Whalebone. I grew up in Cott and used to walk my log across the golf course as a grom. This place means a lot.”
Ledger followed it up with a second consecutive Nose Rider title, winning the specialist division judged purely on time spent perched on the nose.
“It’s what I love doing most on a longboard, it really fits my style,” he said. “I’m stoked to take it out back-to-back.”
Old Mal: Medland Masters the Throwback Heat
Jack Medland (Dunsborough), proved his versatility once again, taking out the Old Mal division on a classic pre-1967 log in one of the most entertaining heats of the weekend.
Medland opened with a clean 8.33, backed it up with a 7.10, and in the final minute found a peeling set wave to post an 8.53, the highest score of the heat, for a winning two-wave total of 16.86 (out of a possible 20).
“I got a few early, then started to feel more comfortable and pushed it a bit more each time,” said Medland. “That last wave just lined up perfectly, I was lucky to be in the spot and finish strong.”
Runner-up Ryan Clark (Dunsborough) kept the pressure on with a 7.17 and 7.63, putting him briefly in striking distance during the final exchange. Scott Trew (Gabbadah) also kept the pressure on, placing third, while Jock Bahen (Cowaramup) scored a solid 7.67 but could not find a strong backup, finishing fourth.
“I thought Ryan might’ve had it at the end, but then that last wave popped up and I just went all in,” said Medland. “The weight of the old mal helped it sit in the pocket nicely, I could really feel it. Full credit to the boys, everyone was ripping in that heat.”
Rising Stars & Seasoned Legends
In a fitting celebration of longboarding’s multigenerational appeal, the Under-18 and Over-65 finals ran back-to-back on finals day, a poignant reminder that the future and history of WA longboarding are in excellent hands.
The Under-18 Longboard final was one of the highlights of the day, with a flurry of over 30 waves caught, lead changes, and outstanding performances. Jarrah Trew (Gabbadah), just 11 years old and the event’s youngest competitor, claimed the win with a two-wave total of 14.04 (8.17 + 5.87), holding off Abbey Lovell (Carine), who finished close behind with 11.46 (out of a possible 20) and Talia Trew (Gabbadah), finishing in third.
“It was really fun out there with good conditions,” said Jarrah. “I’m stoked and happy for the girls too, they were surfing so sick. It was my first ever longboard comp and it was amazing to surf with my sister too.”
The final was immediately followed by the Over-65 Men’s, where Steve Becker (Mandurah) finally broke through after 15 years of trying, taking the win with a two-wave total of 14.83 (out of a possible 20). He posted a clutch 8.00 to overcome reigning State Champion Bill Gibson (Margaret River), who finished second.
“It was good,” said Becker. “I was lucky to get a good one and a high score. I did a couple of turns and a floater – I did alright (laughs). Bill’s always hard to beat.”
Shae Sheridan (Dunsborough), the current Over-40 Women’s State Champion, claimed her third Whalebone title in Over-40 Women’s division, scoring a 12.50 (out of a possible 20), while riding a borrowed board. “I just knew I needed one good one, and when it came, I went for it,” she said.
Jock Bahen (Cowaramup) won the Over-40 Men’s Longboard, while Doug Carruthers (Margaret River) took out the Over-60 Men’s final.
Kevin Anderson (North Fremantle) was a standout in the Masters divisions, winning both the Over-50 Men’s Longboard and Logger titles.
In the women’s field, current State Champion Amanda Curley (Margaret River) dominated the Over-50 divisions, taking top honours in both Longboard and Logger.
More than a surfing contest
The Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic is much more than just a surfing competition, it is a celebration of longboarding in Cottesloe, with surf market stalls, partner activations, food & drinks, the Gage Roads bar, surfboard raffles and more.
“The Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic is a much-loved event that brings people together to celebrate the best of Western Australian surf culture,” said Lavan managing partner Dean Hely. Lavan is The Western Australia Law Firm, and we are proud to support Surfing WA.”
“This was as good as Iso’s gets,” said Surfing WA Contest Director Pete Carroll. “The spiritual home of WA longboarding really turned it on. Day 1 was clean, Day 2 was raw and rugged, and Finals Day was all-time. The spirit of the Whalebone really came alive.
“We saw the best of both worlds – the next generation lighting up the Under-18s, followed by the legends in the Over-65s. That’s what longboarding’s all about, a shared passion across generations.”
The Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic, along with the Geraldton Winter Classic and Yallingup Malibu Classic form the Western Australia Longboarding Triple Crown, with the best performing surfers across three events earning their place amongst local longboarding legends.
Final scores and results can be found at www.liveheats.com and for more information on this or any other surfing event in Western Australia head to www.surfingwa.com.au
26th LAVAN WHALEBONE CLASSIC RESULTS:
CARLIN CHIROPRACTIC OVER 65 MEN
1. Steve Becker (Mandurah) – 14.83
2. Bill Gibson (Margaret River) – 10.27
3. Geoff Summerhayes (Aubin Grove) – 8.83
4. Greg McDonald (Kalbarri) – 6.97
WEST COAST SUSPENSIONS OVER 60 MEN
1. Doug Carruthers (Margaret River) – 11.83
2. Brett Merifield (Dunsborough) – 10.86
3. Marty Ferrier (Mandurah) – 10.74
4. Ken Jarvis (Carine) – 9.50
VIDLERS OVER 50 MEN
1. Kevin Anderson (North Fremantle) – 14.46
2. Jarrah Calder (Bicton) – 13.70
3. Paul Burke (Dunsborough) – 13.30
4. Brett Reed (Lake Coogee) – 9.87
PARRY’S ESTATE OVER 50 WOMEN
1. Amanda Curley (Margaret River) – 7.10
2. Bronwyn Fricke (Swanbourne) – 6.84
3. Belinda Le Grice (East Fremantle) – 5.67
4. Melissa Pontre (Subiaco) – 2.80
SHARKSMART OVER 50 MEN’S LOGGER
1. Kevin Anderson (North Fremantle) – 10.17
2.Warren Salamone (Trigg) – 8.76
3. Doug Carruthers (Margaret River) – 8.50
4. Matthew Inman (Trigg) – 6.84
FORESTER ESTATE OVER 50 WOMEN’S LOGGER
1. Amanda Curley (Margaret River) – 11.06
2. Bronwyn Fricke (Swanbourne) – 10.83
3. Melissa Pontre (Subiaco) – 8.97
4. Belinda Le Grice (East Fremantle) – 8.20
LUPIN GOLD OVER 40 MEN
1. Jock Bahen (Cowaramup) – 15.50
2. Scott Trew (Gabbadah) – 14.34
3. Paul Burke (Dunsborough) – 13.70
4. Brett Reed (Lake Coogee) – 9.20
MELVILLE, ROCKINGHAM & COCKBURN TOYOTA OVER 40 WOMEN
1. Shae Sheridan (Dunsborough) – 12.50
2. Jamie Lovell (Carine) – 11.10
3. Lara Saurez (Beaconsfield) – 6.26
4. Chloe Amery (Palmyra) – 5.80
CLUB MED UNDER 18 JUNIORS
1. Jarrah Trew (Gabbadah) – 14.04
2. Abbey Lovell (Carine) – 11.46
3. Talia Trew (Gabbadah) – 8.74
RED EQUIPMENT OPEN MEN’S LOGGER
1. Evan Ledger (Yallingup) – 16.2
2. Ryan Clark (Dunsborough) – 15.47
3. Jack Medland (Dunsborough) – 15.00
4. Jock Bahen (Cowaramup) – 14.00
5. Jacob McIvor (Rockingham) – 13.33
COTTESLOE GENERAL STORE OPEN WOMEN’S LOGGER
1. Georgia Young (Perth) – 15.83
2. Shae Sheridan (Dunsborough) – 12.06
3. Aya Smith (Mt Claremont) – 10.50
4. Jamie Lovell (Carine) – 10.06
SPIRAL WETSUITS NOSE RIDER
1. Evan Ledger (Yallingup) – 7.33
2. Josh Evans (Dunsborough) – 6.40
3. Jock Bahen (Cowaramup) – 6.17
4. Jordan Morris (Hillarys) – 6.00
LAVAN OPEN MEN’S FINAL
1. Jack Medland (Dunsborough) – 17.10 – $1,000
2. Evan Ledger (Yallingup) – 14.50 – $500
3. Ryan Clark (Dunsborough) – 13.26 – $350
4. Jock Bahen (Cowaramup) – 7.50 – $150
LAVAN OPEN WOMEN’S FINAL
1. Georgia Young (Perth) – 16.07 – $1,000
2. Maddie Barrett (Cottesloe) – 15.50 – $500
3. Layla Deighton (Margaret River) – 10.87 – $350
4. Selina Sterker (East Fremantle) – 7.63 – $150
GAGE ROADS OLD MAL
1. Jack Medland (Dunsborough) – 16.86 – $500
2. Ryan Clark (Dunsborough) – 14.80 – $250
3. Scott Trew (Gabbadah) – 10.33 – $150
4. Jock Bahen (Cowaramup) – 9.67– $100
BARRY COOKE FAMILY AWARD
Trew Family (Gabbadah)
MOONSHINE SPIRIT AWARD
Trew Family (Gabbadah)
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 Isolated Reef 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.
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