From national champions to first-time competitors, the Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic will unite generations of surfers on the waves of Cottesloe from Friday July 11 to Sunday July 13.
Now in its 26th year, the much-loved winter tradition will welcome over 120 competitors, aged 11 to 77, across 15 divisions, from Under 18s to Grand Legends – with long-time partner Lavan returning as naming rights sponsor and The Post Newspapers coming onboard as presenting partner.
The Open Women’s division is expected to be a major highlight in 2025, with eight-time Whalebone champion Georgia Young (Perth) returning to the break she grew up surfing.
“This is my favourite event of the year, I just absolutely love it,” said Young. “I started surfing here when I was 12, so to be out there now with all my friends and family watching at one of my favourite waves is pretty awesome, it just means so much to me.”
Young will be joined by a rising field of talent, including 23-year-old Aya Smith from Cottesloe Longboard Club, who will surf in the division for just the second time.
“Everyone’s super friendly and supportive, it feels like a mini surf festival because you’re surfing with your friends and everyone’s cheering each other on,” said Smith. “And it’s great to see so many more girls entering and being part of the community.”
“To share the water with someone like Georgia, who’s achieved so much, is actually really inspiring,” she added.
In the Open Men’s Longboard division, all eyes will be on Jack Medland (Dunsborough), who returns to defend his titles in both the Open Men’s Longboard and Old Mal categories.
“The Whalebone has so much history, it’s such a prestigious event in the WA longboarding calendar,” said Medland. “Everyone’s just frothing, whether the waves are pumping or it’s stormy, it’s always a good weekend.”
Medland will face stiff competition from Evan Ledger (Yallingup), Jordan Morris (Hillarys) and Ryan Clark (Dunsborough), all chasing victory and a chance to have their name etched on the coveted Whalebone trophy.
In addition to the main divisions, this year will also see the introduction of the Moonshine Spirit Award, celebrating a surfer who embodies the true spirit of longboarding. Whether it is a junior showing courage, a veteran offering guidance, or someone spreading good energy on the beach, the recipient will take home a custom Moonshine longboard.
The Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic is about more than just high-performance surfing. With food trucks, surf stalls, Gage Roads beer tent, live music, and the return of the beloved ukulele band, the event delivers three days of surf culture, local spirit and coastal connection.
“The Whalebone brings together the longboarding community in the most authentic way,” said Surfing WA Regional Manager Kim Clift. “It’s a free event and offers something for everyone, whether you’re competing or just soaking up the atmosphere from the hill.”
The event traces its roots back to 1998, when Peter Dunn discovered a whale’s rib bone while diving at Isolated Reef. Inspired by the moment, he created a longboarding competition to honour the whale’s spirit.
“I pulled it out of the reef,” Dunn recalls, “and thought imagine having this for a trophy and the best surfers competing here at Isolators because it’s such a great arena.”
Now over two decades on, Dunn says he’s proud of what the event has become.
“It’s all about family, fun and good vibes, and it’s been incredible to see how much it’s grown.”
Leading Western Australian law firm, Lavan continues to show its dedication to local sport and surf culture through its longstanding support of Surfing WA.
“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.”
Live scores and results will be available via www.liveheats.com, with coverage across @surfing_wa social media platforms and via #WhaleboneLBClassic.
ABOUT THE WHALEBONE CLASSIC
Founded in 1998 after Peter Dunn discovered a whale’s rib bone at Isolated Reef, the Whalebone Longboard Classic has grown into one of Australia’s most iconic grassroots surf events. It is celebrated for its friendly atmosphere, diverse lineup, and enduring connection to the Cottesloe coast.
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