MARGARET RIVER DELIVERS THE GOODS
The 2025 Margaret River Wave Classic kicked off the year with proper waves and a stack of talent ready to throw down. Four days of mast-high sets at one of Western Australia’s most iconic breaks saw SEVERNE riders making their mark across multiple divisions.
Photos by Scott Bauer.
Drone images by Paul van Bellen.
KÖSTER CLAIMS VICTORY IN EPIC CONDITIONS
Five-time World Champion Philip Köster proved unstoppable in the Pro division, combining his signature aerial mastery with precise wave selection. Philip’s ability to execute critical wave 360s and aerials under pressure secured him the win against an impressive field of international and local talent.
“The first event of the year couldn’t have started better for me,” said Köster. “To have the Margaret River event as a 4-star was a great addition to the tour and to score amazing conditions was unreal. The level of the locals and pros has been as good as it gets, and every heat felt tricky.“
The winning quiver
Philip rode his signature Pyro and BladePro combo, and his signature PK-1 harness.
STONE STOPPED SHORT
In one of the day’s biggest upsets, local legend and former world number three Jaeger Stone found himself knocked out in an incredibly close semi-final. Despite his deep knowledge of Main Break’s waves, the sets on offer created a tricky scenario for Jaeger, and the relentless aerial assault from Germany’s Julian Salmonn and Western Australia’s Pete Kenyon narrowly edged him out in the semi finals. At Margaret River’s Main Break, the difference between advancing and elimination often comes down to a single critical move – a reality that even the most seasoned locals know all too well. It was, none the less, a full round of awe inspiring action to watch Jaeger unpack his repertoire at his home ground.
Jaeger setting up for an aireal on his S-1 Pro / Stone combo.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE PAYS OFF
Margaret River local Jane Seman showed her intimate knowledge of Main Break counts, securing second place in the Pro Women’s division with dynamic wave riding and perfectly timed aerials. Despite running the event, Seman found time to put on a show before being narrowly edged out by Swiss rookie Maria Schaelin in an intense final.
NEXT GEN STEPPING UP
The groms weren’t holding back either. Jake Ghiretti and Oliver Desforges went blow for blow in the Pro Junior division, with Ghiretti clinching it on his final wave with a perfectly executed aerial. Meanwhile, Sarah Kenyon dominated both U18 and U21 girls divisions, demonstrating why she’s one to watch.
“It feels amazing, especially because it’s my home break,” said Jake after his win. “I’m so happy that ‘mainbreak’ is now a 4-star event.”
Jake Ghiretti airs the section at mainbreak, Margaret River. Jake rode the Blade / Stone combo throughout the contest.
Riding the Redback, Sarah Kenyon drops in on a bomb at mainbreak, Margaret River.
The World Wave Tour now shifts focus to the upcoming Chile leg, where riders will face the legendary port-tack conditions of Matanzas.
Results
Final Results Pro Women
- Maria Schaelin (Switzerland)
- Jane Seman (Margaret River)
- Jaiya Marns Morris (Perth)
- Sarah Kenyon (Geraldton)
- Philip Koster (Germany)
- Julian Salmonn (Germany)
- Rick Van der Toorn (Margaret River)
- Peter Kenyon (Geraldton)
- Ash Nicol
- Pete Kenyon
- Pete Tomsett
- Garth Ilett
- Jake Ghiretti
- Oliver Desforges
- Ben Ilett
- Josh Ledger
- Sarah Kenyon
- Jaiya Marns Morris
- Santina Pillonel
- Ines Callenaere
Final Results Junior Boys
- Josh Ledger
- Tyler Wallrodt
- Ben Ilett
- Max Ford
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