The Think Mental Health WA Trials are set to splash down in Margaret River this weekend, providing a pathway to the Margaret River Pro for two lucky West Australian surfers.
One male and one female will get the chance to compete against the world’s best at the upcoming World Surf League (WSL) Margaret River Pro, which is set to commence on the 20th April 2023.
Twelve of the best males and twelve of the finest female surfers in the state, will compete for a coveted spot into the fifth event of the World Surf League Championship Tour (CT).
The trials act as the official curtain raiser to a thrilling two weeks of professional surfing in Western Australia, with surfers from across WA vying for their chance at compete on the biggest stage in surfing.
“The event is the final stop on the Pathway to the Pro concept, which presents a unique opportunity for two WA surfers to earn their place among the world’s best surfers,” said Surfing Western Australia CEO Mark Lane. “Trialists have been selected based on their performances over the past 12 months and include a mixture of local boardrider club champions, state champions, national team representatives , specialty event winners, as well the highest rated WA surfers from the WSL Qualifying Series (QS),” he said. “Many thanks to Healthway for working with Surfing WA and the WSL to create this opportunity for some of WA’s most promising athletes.”
Some of the invited surfers into the event include former CT competitor Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown), former trials winner Ben Spence (Margaret River), as well as a host of exciting and up-and-coming talent who will challenge for their place against the world’s best, including Margaret River’s own Jack Robinson, who also followed this very pathway.
“This is as big as it gets for our local West Australian surfers,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks, “Our 24 surfers have followed different pathways to get their spot into the trials and I wish them all the very best of luck.”
Think Mental Health is an education campaign designed to assist the Western Australian community to proactively look after their mental health and wellbeing.
As part of the campaign, Surfing WA will work with Healthway and the World Surf League to provide resources and information at surfing events, and through their programs, to directly engage with the community about how to maintain mental health and wellbeing, what to do when things are not going so well and where to get help when it is needed. Staff will also receive mental first aid training and high-profile ambassadors will promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
The Think Mental Health WA Trials will be live streamed via www.streamer.com.au allowing people anywhere in the world to tune in and watch the action as it happens in Margaret River.
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
The 37th Margaret River Pro, the fifth stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), will be held from 20th April to the 30th April 2023 at Surfers Point.
Further information on the Margaret River Pro can be found at: www.worldsurfleague.com
Think Mental Health WA Trials Male Invitees:
Ben Spence (Margaret River)
Jack Thomas (Yallingup)
Alex McGuffin (Margaret River)
Kael Walsh (Yallingup)
Jesse Siedmiogrodzki (City Beach)
Max Marsden (Geraldton)
Finn Cox (Margaret River)
Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough)
Fletcher Llanwarne (Duncraig)
Macklin Flynn (Cowaramup)
Jerome Forrest (Margaret River)
Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup)
Think Mental Health WA Trials Female Invitees:
Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown)
Willow Hardy (Margaret River)
Coral Durant (Red Bluff)
Felicity Palmateer (Yanchep)
Isi Campbell (Denmark)
Ruby Berry (Augusta)
Kate McKenzie (Geraldton)
Claire Bevilacqua (Yallingup)
Emma Cattlin (Yallingup)
Olive Hardy (Margaret River)
Francesca May (Margaret River)
Kaleisha Launders (Margaret River)
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
