Dunsborough surfer Jack Medland to defend title in COVID-delayed Whalebone Classic at Cottesloe

Dunsborough’s Jack Medland is expected to defend his longboard title this weekend at the 23rd annual Whalebone Longboard Classic at Cottesloe’s Isolated Reef.

After a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, the Classic will draw some of Australia’s best longboard surfers to what Surfing WA touted as “one of the country’s most iconic events”.

More than 100 Perth and South West longboarders are set to converge on Cottesloe for the three-day competition, with other contenders coming from New South Wales and Queensland.

Medland is the reigning Men’s Longboard Champion and said he was excited to get back to business.

“I always look forward to competing at the Whalebone Classic,” he said.

“It’s going to be good just bringing all the surfing tribes together again after so long.

“I’ve been working on some new shapes just for this event.”

Multiple Whalebone Classic champion Georgia Young, from Perth, will headline the women’s division, with home break advantage.

The Classic includes 15 divisions, with Under-18 Juniors to Over-70 Grand Legends.

Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks said the two-year delay had competitors pumped to get back into the water.

“This year will mark the event’s 23rd anniversary, which is a testament to its success and the support from the local community,” he said.

Scores and results will be streamed live via www.surfingwalive.com.