Cottesloe is preparing to host one of the largest gathering of surfers in the state, with the 24th Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic set to splash down at Isolated Reef next week.
The Whalebone Classic was formed back in 1998 after local longboarder Peter Dunn, discovered a whale’s rib bone immersed in the surf at Cottesloe and decided to host a competition in memory of the whale’s spirit.
Over two decades on the Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic has grown to be a much loved part of Western Australia’s surfing fabric, bringing together the surfing tribes with an elite and experienced field of competitors preparing to 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 festival, as well as those travelling from as far afield as New South Wales to compete in one of Western Australia’s most iconic and long standing events.
Dunsborough’s Jack Medland is the reigning Whalebone Classic Men’s Longboard & Logger Champion and is excited to defend his Whalebone titles in 2023.
“The Whalebone Classic is such an amazing event that has stood the test of time,” said Medland. “Alongside the Geraldton Winter Classic, the Yallingup Malibu Classic, the Whalebone Classic forms the Triple Crown of Longboarding here in Western Australia and I’m excited to head up to Cottesloe to compete.”
Multiple Whalebone Classic champion Georgia Young (Perth) will headline the Women’s divisions and will be drawing from her years of experience competing at Iso’s when the tournament gets underway next Friday.
Young is confident the Whalebone will deliver a memorable experience for all who participate no matter the conditions.
“The vibe at the Whalebone is always incredible, the event has defined itself over the years by providing a unique social atmosphere that is 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 that everyone has the best time.”
The Whalebone Classic combines a total of 15 divisions, with Under-18 Juniors to Over-70 Grand Legends on offer, displaying the diversity of longboarding in Western Australia.
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, surfboard raffles and much, much more.
“Lavan is very proud to once again partner with Surfing WA for the Whalebone Longboard Classic. As a leading, independent Western Australian law firm we are committed to making a real difference through our support of local community organisations,” said Lavan’s Managing Partner Dean Hely. “We hope this year’s event is enjoyed by all competitors and spectators and that it continues to build great community spirit.”
Be sure to purchase a Lavan x Youth Focus Raffle Ticket, for your chance to win a hand shaped 9’4 Lavan red Ranger Log crafted in Yallingup by Moonshine Surfboards. This surfboard has been donated by Lavan in aid of Youth Focus, who provide essential mental health and wellbeing services for young Western Australians and their families.
The Cottesloe Longboard Club will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2023 and are an integral part of the Whalebone’s longevity and success. The Club will be hosting a special function at The Cottesloe Beach Hotel on Saturday July 8th to celebrate their quarter of a century milestone.
“The Whalebone is the heart and soul of the Cottesloe Longboard Club,” said Club President Martin Richardson. “The Club was formed in the same year that the Whalebone first ran and we’re proud of the legacy that the Whalebone has created and that’s evident in the number of men and women we see riding longboards today.”
The event will be live streamed via www.streamer.com.au allowing people to tune into the action as it happens live from Cottesloe.
Positions are still available in some divisions and you can sign up at www.surfingwa.com.au, you can interact with the event via the hashtag #WhaleboneLBClassic and be sure to check out all the Surfing WA social media platforms for more event updates and information as it happens.
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 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.
