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
Australian Sailing
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.
