Surfers Point will echo with excitement and anticipation this Sunday, as the Think Mental Health WA Trials roll out for 24 of WA’s finest surfers, who will compete for their chance to join the world’s best at the 2024 Western Australian Margaret River Pro.
Two fortunate surfers, one male and one female, will carve their way into the fifth event of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), where they’ll compete alongside champions of the sport on home soil, including local talents Jack Robinson and Jacob Willcox.
The Think Mental Health WA Trials will mark the start of an adrenaline-charged fortnight of professional surfing in Western Australia, with twelve males and twelve females vying for their shot at glory on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
“The event stands as the pinnacle of the Pathway to the Pro initiative, offering two remarkable WA surfers the chance to showcase their skills against surfing’s elite,” said Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane. “Selected based on their stellar performances over the past year, these trialists represent a fusion of local talent, state and national champions, rising stars, qualifying series competitors and former CT surfers, all eyeing their moment in the spotlight. Thanks to Healthway for partnering with Surfing WA and the WSL to foster this unparalleled opportunity for our region’s brightest talents.”
Among the lineup of inspiring surfers set to make waves this Sunday are former CT surfers Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown), and Claire Bevilacqua (Yallingup), as well as Jerome Forrest (Margaret River), and Jack Thomas (Yallingup), who both made the main event last year and will be looking to do the same in 2024.
“This is as big as it gets for our local surfers,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks. “Our 24 surfers have followed unique paths to earn their spots in the trials, and we wish them all the best as they embark on this thrilling journey towards the Pro.”
Results from the World Qualifying Series rankings, state championships, specialty event winners and boardriders clubs nominations determined the selection of surfers in the event.
Surfing WA’s partnership with Think Mental Health has fostered support and a great understanding for mental health and physical well-being within the surfing community and beyond. Healthway, the World Surf League, and Surfing WA have combined to provide an amazing platform for a healthier surfing culture here in Western Australia.
You can keep up to date with all the action by following Surfing WA’s social media platforms or by checking out www.surfingwa.com.au. Live scores and results will be available via www.liveheats.com
Further information on the 2024 Western Australia Margaret River Pro can be found at: www.worldsurfleague.com
Think Mental Health WA Trials Male Invitees:
Jerome Forrest (Margaret River)
Jack Thomas (Yallingup)
Alex McGuffin (Margaret River)
Ben Spence (Margaret River)
Finn Cox (Margaret River)
Otis North (Yallingup)
Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough)
James Fleming (Geraldton)
Jake Hagan (Geraldton)
Cyrus Cox (Margaret River)
Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup)
Okie Fraser (Margaret River)
Think Mental Health WA Trials Female Invitees:
Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown)
Ruby Berry (Margaret River)
Willow Hardy (Margaret River)
Coral Durant (Red Bluff)
Isi Campbell (Denmark)
Claire Bevilacqua (Yallingup)
Emma Cattlin (Yallingup)
Lily Shepherd (Geraldton)
Mia McCarthy (Margaret River)
Kaleisha Launders (Margaret River)
Grace Cook (Cowaramup)
Rosie Gillett (Dunsborough)
About Think Mental Health:
The Think Mental Health education campaign is part of a comprehensive approach in Western Australia that aims to build mental health and wellbeing and reduce mental health issues with a view to reducing Western Australia’s suicide rate. The Think Mental Health education campaign’s focus is on assisting the Western Australian community to connect with the best information, support and services for their particular situation, without duplicating the good work already being done. For more information be sure to checkout: www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au
