Margaret River Wave Classic 2025: A spectacular showcase of windsurfing excellence

by International Windsurfing Tour 3 Feb 21:35 NZDT 31 January - 3 February 2025

The 2025 Margaret River Wave Classic, a prestigious 4-star event on the World Wave Tour, concluded yesterday, leaving spectators and participants in awe of the exceptional talent and thrilling performances displayed over the competition days. Held from January 31 to February 3, the event attracted top-tier windsurfers from around the globe, all eager to conquer the renowned waves of Margaret River.

Dominant Performances and Notable Victories

The Pro Men's division witnessed intense battles, with seasoned athletes pushing the limits in the challenging conditions. The first big upset was 2004 world wave champion Scott McKercher being bailed out in the Quarter Finals. The next big upset was former world number three, Jaeger Stone being knocked out in an incredibly close semi-final by the aerial attack of Germany's Julian Salmonn and Australia's Pete Kenyon.

2025 Margaret River Wave Classic - photo © Scott Bauer

In the final, five times world champion Philip Koster from Germany drew on his flawless technique and ability to pull off critical wave 360 and aerial moves under pressure to take the win. Salmonn attacked the lip and threw down a variety of aerial, tail blow and wave 360 moves throughout the competition for a well deserved second place finish, just ahead of local big wave aerialist, Ricky VanDerToorn. Kenyon was exhausted but thrilled to finish fourth in Pro Mens and second in Masters.

Philip Koster stated, "The first event of the year couldn't have started better for me. To have the Margaret river event as a 4 star was a great addition to the tour and to score amazing conditions at it was amazing. The level of the locals and pros has been as good as it gets, and every heat felt tricky. Stoked to win this event, it has definitely been a good challenge and I can't wait to be back next year!".

In the Pro Women's division, local favorite Jane Seman delivered an outstanding performance, securing second place and captivating both the crowd and judges with her dynamic wave riding and aerials. Her deep understanding of the local conditions gave her a significant edge over the competition. Despite entering the event as the strong favorite, Jane was narrowly defeated by tour rookie Maria Schaelin. Maria is traveling in WA and recently entered and won the World Wave Rally in Geraldton. After that big confidence boost, she rode confidently at Margaret River and in the last minute, managed to pick up one of the biggest and longest waves of the final to steal the win

"Winning the opening 4-star event of the 2025 season at Margaret River feels unreal! My first windsurf wave competition win at such an iconic spot—just incredible" said an ecstatic Schaelin.

2025 Margaret River Wave Classic - photo © Scott Bauer

Emerging Talent in the Junior Category

The Junior Boys and girls divisions highlighted the promising future of windsurfing, with young athletes showcasing remarkable skill and determination. Their performances indicate a bright future for the sport.

Sixteen year old Sarah Kenyon from Geraldton put on a commanding performance in both U18 and U21 girls divisions, showcasing tight pocket snaps in critical sections and excellent wave selection. Finishing in second was the ever-powerful Jaiya Marns-Morris from Perth, whilst local talent Santina Pillonel stayed close behind to secure third place.

Josh Ledger from Perth delivered a powerful performance to claim victory in a fiercely contested Junior Boys final. The battle for second, third, and fourth was incredibly tight, but Tyler Wallrodt managed to edge out Ben Ilett and Max Ford in a thrilling finish.

In the Pro Junior Boys division, friendly rivals Jake Ghiretti and Oliver Desforges once again found themselves in a nail-biting showdown, Ghiretti clinched victory with a perfect aerial maneuver on his final wave, edging out a hard charging Desforges, who impressed with late hits and powerful surf style moves.

Pro junior Boys winner Jake Ghiretti, "It feels amazing, especially because it's my home break. I'm so happy that 'mainbreak' (Margaret River) is now a 4 star event."

The Power of Margaret River's Conditions and Community

Margaret River once again showcased its reputation as a premier destination for high-caliber windsurfing events. The competition began with mast-high waves, providing athletes with the perfect playground to demonstrate their prowess. The local community's enthusiasm and support were evident, with residents and visitors alike turning out in large numbers to witness the spectacle. The synergy between the powerful natural conditions and the vibrant community spirit created an unforgettable atmosphere for all involved.

Acknowledgments

The success of the 2025 Margaret River Wave Classic would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the organizing team. Special thanks are extended to Jane Seman, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured a seamless and memorable event. Her dual role as both organizer and competitor is a testament to her passion and commitment to the sport.

"It's definitely quite stressful to run this event and then also add in competing and helping my son compete at the same time. But we had great conditions and a really fun vibe. It is rewarding to see the stoke on everyone's faces. The visiting Europeans loved the wave and the locals really loved having top world tour competitors to sail against" said Jane Seman.

Gratitude is also due to the event's sponsors, including Severne Windsurfing and the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, whose support was instrumental in elevating the competition to a 4-star event. Their contributions, along with those of other partners and volunteers, were crucial in bringing this event to fruition.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 World Wave Tour progresses, the Margaret River Wave Classic has set a high standard for the events to follow. The combination of elite athletic performances, challenging conditions, and community engagement has reinforced Margaret River's reputation as a premier destination for windsurfing. Athletes and fans alike eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to converge on these shores for another round of world-class competition.

About the World Wave Tour

The World Wave Tour is a global series of windsurfing competitions that attract the world's best athletes to some of the most challenging and iconic wave spots. The tour celebrates the spirit of windsurfing, promoting excellence, innovation, and community engagement across all events.