Maui Pro-Am

Severne Margaret River Wave Classic 2026

Dates: 31 January – 8 February 2026 (*subject to final Shire approval, to be safe, book tickets to allow competition on 30 January to 9 February).

Discipline: Wave

Location: Main Break / Surfers Point, Margaret River, Western Australia

Status: 4 Star, USD$10,000 prize money Pro Men/Pro Women

Wave Conditions: Powerful and punchy left hand reef break that draws large swells.

Wind Conditions: Port tack, around 15-25 knots. Can vary from cross onshore to cross offshore with the cross-off wind shift happening often in mid/late afternoon.

Water Temperature: A spring suit or light 3×2 steamer is typically used in late January. If the water is particularly warm, sometimes a wetsuit top can be sufficient. However, the wind can be a little chilly and it can get colder when the sun is going down.

Registration: Registration link and date to be advised.  Note that entry number restrictions apply (see further below) and you MUST join Windsurfing WA before you can register.

The World Wave Tour season opener will start with a bang at the powerful reef break of Margeret River.  Expect big waves and big moves from some of the best big wave riders in the world.

Divisions

  • Pro Men / Pro Women
  • Pro Junior Boys / Pro Junior Girls (U21)
  • Junior Boys / Junior Girls (U18)
  • Masters (over 45)
  • Grand Masters (over 60)

Masters: With number restrictions, we prefer the majority of Masters only enter one division rather than Pro Men and Masters.  Please select the best one for your skill level and competitive desires.  Masters who intend to do multiple world tour events in 2026, or those with strong previous results in Pro Men are welcome to enter two divisions.

Juniors: Top ranked U18 and U21 are encouraged to enter multiple divisions.  Pro Juniors aged 18-21 will get an automatic entry into Pro Men.

Pro Men.  In the case of number restrictions being applied, lower ranked competitors who do not make the cut may be placed into Masters or Pro Juniors if they qualify for an alternate age range.

Entry Number Restrictions: Please note that the Shire places a restriction on competitor numbers for this event.  The final number is still being determined, but it will be between 50 and 70 competitors.  If we have reached our competitor limit, you will NOT be able to enter.  The 2025 event reached maximum capacity and restrictions were applied.

Entry Process

An early registration date will be set and you must enter by this date to secure your spot.  If the capacity is reached on this early registration date, entry priority will be given to

  • those with higher current world tour rankings in the applicable division
  • those with strong results at recent Margaret River Wave Classic events
  • people who have volunteered time to help the event.

If entry capacity still exists after the early registration date has closed, entries will simply be accepted on the date they come in until capacity is reached.  Once entry capacity is reached, no further entries will be accepted, but you may be placed on a waitlist should a competitor withdraw.

Mandatory Pre Entry Requirements

Entrants MUST join Windsurfing WA or purchase a Windsurfing WA Single Event Membership in order to compete in this event. This provides the required insurance for the event and also provides you with personal injury cover and 3rd party liability cover during the event.

Competition Format

We will aim to run a ‘dingle’ format which gives everyone at least 2 heats.

In the event of limited wind and/or waves and /or competitor fleets, we may run alternative formats.

Safety

The usual safety measures will be in place for this event as per previous years, including one to two jet skis and sleds driven by experienced Water Patrol Australia safety crew (one for smaller swell, two for larger swell).

Please note if the Department of Transport rules requires that if you sail beyond 400m of the shore the law requires you to wear a Type 2/Level 50 life jacket.

Event Sponsors & Helpers

Augusta-Margaret River Shire

Severne Windsurfing

Sailing Australia

Windsurfing WA

Australian Windsurfing Association

Supported by WWT and PWA

Junior event helpers provided by South West Junior Windsurf School.

Getting to Margaret River

  1. Fly in the Perth airport.
  2. Drive 3-3.5 hours down to Margaret River or take a bus.  South West Coachlines (https://southwestcoachlines.com.au/) have daily buses from the airport to Margaret River town.  They accept ‘surf’ gear but multiple bags on one bus could be tricky.

Please note that you will need a car to get around in Margaret River.  There is no public transport.

Things to do in Margaret River

  • Food & Wine.  This is a famous food and wine area with plenty of wineries, restaurants and breweries to visit. And you don’t need to tip in Australia!
  • Surf.  There’s over 75 surf breaks in 100km of pristine coastline and plenty are world class.  You’ll find barrelling reef breaks, softer / slower reef breaks and a few beach breaks.  You’ll need to get up early to beat the seabreeze in summer.
  • Mountain Biking. Set in the pine forests just at the bottom of Margaret River town are some fun mountain bike tracks for beginners to experts. You can rent a mountain bike from The Hairy Marron  and ride to the trails https://www.thehairymarron.com/bike-hire/ ).  Trails shown here: https://www.mrorca.org.au/trails-wooditjup
  • Forests.  Boranup forest is a stunning forest for a walk or drive. And the stunning Boranup Beach offers good beach break surfing (and windsurfing) in 2m-3m swells.
  • Art.  There’s a strong creative element in Margaret River so check some of the galleries if art is your thing.

Accommodation

January is a peak holiday period and Margaret River is a popular tourist town so book early.  February has more availability than January as school holidays finish end of January.

Margaret River town is about 9km inland from the beach and Surfers Point / Main Break where the competition is held.  The closest coastal suburbs to the break are Prevelly and Gnarabup, which offer a variety of accommodation options from caravan parks to holiday resorts and holiday homes.

  • Prevelly Caravan Park – https://prevellycaravanpark.com.au/.  Closest to Main Break.  Lots of shady trees, nice vibe, Affordable camping and chalets for budget conscious windsurfers.   
  • RAC Margaret River Nature Park – https://parksandresorts.rac.com.au/margaret-river/ Closer to Margaret River town but set amongst trees near some awesome mountain bike tracks. Has camping, chalets, dorms and more.  Dorm rooms for 5 from AUD$110/night – a good cheap option for friends in a great setting.
  • Surfpoint Resort, Gnarabup – https://www.surfpoint.com.au/. Nice rooms with ensuite or flexible rooms with shared bathrooms. Is an upgraded former backpackers lodge with a pool and shared lounge and fully equipped shared kitchen area. AUD$165/night for a couple.
  • Margarets Beach Resort https://www.margaretsbeachresort.com.au/ .  A more fancy hotel/resort with fully self contained studio apartments from AUD$300/night.
  • Airbnb – look for holiday homes in Prevelly, Gnarabup, Margaret River, Gracetown, Cowaramup.  Plenty of homes have quite a lot of beds (6+) so whilst the nightly fee may be expensive, it can be cheaper with a large group.
  • Other Airbnb style websites with plenty of holiday home options include:

Code of Conduct

We expect all competitors, spectators and helpers to behave like the decent human beings we know you are.  We do our sport because we love it and that’s the most important thing.  We understand that competitions can be emotional and decisions subjective, but any competitor who abuses, harasses or endangers another person connected with this event will be automatically disqualified from the 2026 event and will be banned from entry into this event for up to two years following.

Videos and Information

https://www.instagram.com/margaretriver_wswaveclassic/