MARGARET RIVER, WA/AUS (Tuesday 13th May 2025), Local pride was on full display at Surfers Point today, as Margaret River duo Jacob Willcox and Willow Hardy emerged victorious at the Think Mental Health WA Trials, earning their place in the upcoming Western Australia Margaret River Pro, the seventh stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT).
The WA Trials delivered an electric day of competition as 24 of WA’s best male and female surfers battled in quality conditions for the chance to take on the world’s best at one of surfing’s most iconic venues.
In a thrilling men’s final, Jacob Willcox edged out Jack Thomas (Yallingup), in a high-stakes showdown that brought the beach to its feet. Willcox, who competed on the elite Championship Tour in 2024, looked sharp and composed all day, using his local knowledge and experience to secure his return to the main event in front of a passionate home crowd.
Willcox posted the highest individual score of the day, a near-perfect 9.00, on his opening wave of the final and backed it up with a 7.73, finishing with a combined total of 16.73 (out of a possible 20). Thomas rallied with some brilliant surfing of his own, finishing with a two-wave total of 15.58 (out of a possible 20).
For Willcox, today’s result was a redemptive moment after falling off tour at the mid-season cut in Margaret River last year.
“That was such a fun final, Jack pushed me the whole time,” said Willcox. “I started strong, but he just kept coming. Last year was a bit of a reality check and it feels amazing to be competing again. All the feelings I had today were epic, and I can’t wait to surf with no pressure in front of my home crowd.”
On the women’s side, rising star Willow Hardy delivered a composed and powerful performance to claim victory over her close friend and fellow Margaret River charger Kaleisha Launders.
Set to compete on the WSL Challenger Series (CS) in 2025, Hardy looked every bit the future champion, finishing with a two-wave total of 14.51, including two scores in the seven point plus range. Launders, who showed incredible endurance and spirit by surfing four heats to reach the final, finished on a 10.06 combined total.
The final was as much about mental grit as it was about surfing performance, with both surfers showcasing determination, style, and sportsmanship in a heat that celebrated camaraderie and competitive drive.
“I can’t believe it, I’m so stoked,” said Hardy. “It’s amazing. We all grew up watching the world’s best surf here, and the fact that we now get to join them is incredible. Surfing WA does such an amazing job with this event, it’s one we all look forward to and love.”
The Think Mental Health WA Trials are the pinnacle of Surfing WA’s Pathway to the Pro initiative, providing a direct link between homegrown talent and the world stage. Competitors were selected based on performances in the WSL Qualifying Series (QS), state titles, specialty events, and nominations from local boardriders clubs.
“This is exactly what the Pathway to the Pro is all about,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks. “We witnessed some of WA’s most exciting surfers perform at an incredibly high level today. To see Jacob and Willow, both born and bred in Margaret River punch their ticket onto CT is something really special.”
The waiting period for the 2025 Western Australia Margaret River Pro begins Saturday 17th May and runs through to Tuesday 27th May, as the spotlight of the global surfing world prepares to shines on the southwest corner of WA.
For the latest news on the 2025 Western Australia Margaret River Pro, head to www.worldsurfleague.com
THINK MENTAL HEALTH WA LOCAL TRIALS 2025 – MEN’S INVITEES
Jacob Willcox (Margaret River)
Macklin Flynn (Cowaramup)
Jack Thomas (Yallingup)
Ben Spence (Margaret River)
Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough)
Okie Fraser (Margaret River)
Alex McGuffin (Margaret River)
Luke Campbell (Trigg)
Finn Cox (Margaret River)
Jolan Bonelli (Margaret River)
Jetaya Hammond (Gracetown)
Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup)
THINK MENTAL HEALTH WA LOCAL TRIALS 2025 – WOMEN’S INVITEES
Willow Hardy (Margaret River)
Olive Hardy (Margaret River)
Emma Cattlin (Yallingup)
Ruby Berry (Margaret River)
Isi Campbell (Denmark)
Edel Rodden (Geraldton)
Kaleisha Launders (Margaret River)
Mia McCarthy (Margaret River)
Mia Jacobs (Gracetown)
Rosie Gillett (Dunsborough)
Leila Fraser (Margaret River)
Poppy Redman Carr (Dunsborough)
About Think Mental Health:
The Think Mental Health education campaign forms part of a comprehensive strategy in Western Australia, aimed at building mental health and wellbeing and reducing mental health issues to help lower the state’s suicide rate. The campaign connects the WA community with trusted information, support, and services tailored to their needs. Learn more at www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au
Events
