Huge aerials dominate Masters and Pro Junior wins at Mast-High Margaret River
by International Windsurfing Tour 2 Feb 01:09 PST
January 31 – February 8, 2026
Day one highlights
Day one of the Severne Margaret River Wave Classic delivered exactly what this iconic location is known for: big aerials, raw ocean power, and world-class wave sailing.
Pro Juniors, Masters and Grand Master divisions opened competition at Surfers Point in a rising Southern Ocean swell and cross-offshore wind that offered experienced competitors the opportunity to go big from the opening heat.
Pro Junior Boys: Ghiretti dominates with performance of the day
Margaret River local Jake Ghiretti (19) delivered the standout performance of the opening day, unleashing huge aerials on some of the biggest sets to dominate the Pro Junior (U21) division.
The performance was made even more remarkable by the fact that Ghiretti had not sailed once in the past two weeks after sustaining a concussion at the Oceania Youth Wave Titles in Geraldton. His very first wave back was a near mast-high aerial that scored a 7.77.
"It was pretty special to get that first aerial," said a relieved Ghiretti. "As soon as I landed that, I knew it was going to be a really good heat. It gave me all my old confidence back."
In the three-heat leaderboard final, Ghiretti posted three excellent scores above eight points, along with multiple rides over seven, finishing with a dominant total of 41.43 points. The win was crucial as he defends his World Title following a disappointing fourth-place finish in Geraldton.
"I felt like I had a bit of extra pressure riding on it, because I needed to win to have a chance at another world title," said Ghiretti.
He is now hoping to compete in Fiji or Hawaii to improve his results ahead of the Chile Grand Final, where he will defend his title.
Finishing second in the Pro Junior Boys - and claiming victory in the U18 division - was 14-year-old rising star Max Ford from Margaret River. Ford has made significant progress over the past year, impressing judges with critical turns on set waves to post a leaderboard total of 28.03 points. Josh Ledger finished third, with Tyler Wallrodt rounding out fourth place in the Pro Junior division.
In the U18s, Max's younger brother Nikiforos Ford, just 12 years old, secured second place, highlighting the depth of emerging talent in Western Australia. Thirteen-year-old Ines Callenaere finished third.
Masters: Experience meets power
The Ray White Stocker Preston Masters division was a great battle between some of Western Australia's most experienced riders. Showing he would be a genuine threat in the Pro Men's fleet, Ash Nicol claimed victory with trademark power and timing.
Nicol opened the final with a solid 7.03 aerial on his first wave, then backed it up with a 6.20 two waves later to seal the win convincingly.
"It's great having some of the best sailors in the world here. It's inspirational and motivational for younger kids and older people like me," said Nicol. "It just motivates you to keep on trying to do your best. It makes you want to hit the biggest lip or get the biggest aerial that you can."
Anaesthetist Jonah Desforges snuck into second in the final minute with a strong hit on his last wave, edging out a hard-charging Peter Kenyon in third and powerful Ivan Zecca in fourth.
What's next
Competition continues through the event window, with attention turning to Tuesday's Pro Men's and Pro Women's Finals Day, where the world's leading riders are expected to face an even bigger day of high-quality surf.
Full live broadcast coverage of Finals Day will stream globally, bringing Margaret River's raw energy and elite wave sailing directly to fans worldwide.
For more information visit worldwindsurftour.com.