TRIGG BEACH, WA/AUS (Monday 6th July 2026), From national champions to first-time competitors, the 27th Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic will unite generations of surfers on the waves of Cottesloe from Friday July 10 to Sunday July 12.
Now in its 27th year, the much-loved winter tradition will welcome over 140 competitors, aged 11 to 77, across 15 divisions, from Under 18s to Grand Legends, with long-time partner Lavan returning as naming rights sponsor.
The Open Women’s division is expected to be a major highlight in 2026, with nine-time Whalebone champion Georgia Young (Perth) returning to the break she grew up surfing.
“I’m really excited for the Whalebone and nervously checking the forecast daily hoping for some fun waves that shows off what a fantastic longboard wave Isolators is,” said Young. “I love the community aspect to the event, where we get to catch up with everyone from all over the state, and having it at my local break means a lot of family and friends come down to watch. I’m also looking forward to trying to defend my title, every year it gets harder and harder with the level of womens longboarding in WA.”
Young will be joined by a strong field including Maddeline Barret (Dunsborough), Selina Sterker (East Fremantle), and Shae Sheridan (Dunsborough).
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.
“It’s always great to compete and achieve results in the competition, but the best part is catching up with the community and celebrating the spirit of the bone” said Medland. “The biggest thrill for me is chewing the fat and hearing the stories from the wiser, older salty dogs, while also watching the next generation of juniors come through. They’re the future of the event, and it’s great to see the stoke being passed on. They’ll be the ones keeping this event charging for many years to come. “
Medland will face stiff competition from Evan Ledger (Albany), Jordan Morris (Hillarys) and Ryan Clark (Dunsborough), all chasing victory and a chance to have their name etched on the coveted Whalebone trophy.
Adding to the event’s unique heritage, the popular Old Mal Division, requiring competitors to ride longboards shaped before 1967.
The Lavan Whalebone Longboard Classic is about more than just high-performance surfing. With food trucks, surf retailers, a Gage Roads bar and live music, 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 Contest Director Pete Carrol. “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.”
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.
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.
ABOUT LAVAN
Lavan is a leading, full-service law firm based in Perth, Western Australia. With a proud history spanning more than 128 years, Lavan provides strategic legal advice across a wide range of sectors including real estate & building, mining & resources, agribusiness, government, banking & finance, aged care & seniors living, education, and family & private clients. Known for its commitment to community and innovation, Lavan combines deep local knowledge with a forward-thinking approach to support its clients and the broader WA business landscape.
For more information about Lavan, please visit lavan.com.au
Lavan – The Western Australian Law Firm.
Image Credit: Salt Diaries
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