Surf Masters WA State Championships 2024 | Highlights

The shores of Margaret River reverberated with cheers and applause as twelve State Champions were crowned amidst the pounding surf of Gas Bay.

The 2024 Surf Masters WA State Championships culminated yesterday in a spectacular display of skill and passion, leaving spectators breathless and surfers exhilarated.

The WA Surf Masters Championships made a triumphant return to Gas Bay, with the surf conditions exceeding expectations, offering hollow tubes and clean faces for the competitors to showcase their talent across various divisions, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.

Surfers from right across Western Australia converged on Margaret River, eager to seize their shot at State Championship glory.

The event was a testament to the depth of talent in WA surfing, with former World Surf League (WSL) competitors, rising stars, and seasoned champions sharing the waves in a stunning display of excellence across three action-packed days of competition.

Current Under-16 National Champion Maverick Wilson stole the show in the Open Men's final, delivering a masterclass performance to claim his maiden Open Men's State Title, mixing precision and flair effortlessly.

Wilson posted two seven-point plus rides in the 25-minute final, finishing on a combined total of 14.07 (from a possible 20), leaving in form surfers Jack Mitchell, Jerome Forrest, and Okie Fraser (Margaret River), chasing good to excellent scores when the siren sounded.

Wilson's maiden Open State Title secured his ticket to the WA Trials, where he'll surf for a wildcard position into the fifth event of the WSL Championship Tour in April.

“I'm over the moon and didn't expect to walk away with the win,” said Wilson.

“I saw the draw, and it was stacked with WA's best talent, so I'm stoked to get the win, and the opportunity to surf in the Trials is amazing.”

Dunsborough's Emma Cattlin will also compete in the WA Trials after claiming victory in the Open Women's division.

Proving that passion and determination know no bounds, Cattlin used her strong backhand attack with lethal efficiency, posting a two-wave total of 12.76.

In one of the tightest results of the event, just 1.46 separated all four finalists, with Olive Hardy finishing in a close second, ahead of Kaleisha Launders and Mia McCarthy.

​“This is the first event I've won in a long time and it's nice to be back in some proper waves,” said Cattlin.

“After surfing in Perth for the past year, it's really nice to be able to do some deep bottom turns and hit some sections on big waves. I'm stoked to make the Trials, and I'll be doing my best to give it a proper crack this year.”

From the scintillating Under-21 Pro Junior division to the fiercely contested Over-65 Men's category, every heat that hit the water was a testament to the dedication and talent of WA's surfing community.

Okie Fraser was a standout surfer all weekend, making the Open Men's final and carving his way to an electrifying victory in the Pro Junior division.

Andrew Sheridan was another local surfer to impress, claiming two State Titles at his home break, winning the Over-40 and Over-45 Men's division.

Belinda Adams defended her Over-35 Women's State Title, while Jesse Molly, Warren Boyes, and Brian Williams all secured their first WA State Title victories with hard-fought wins in their respective divisions.

​“That was a memorable event with some world-class performances to match,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks.

Jack Mitchell earned the Wave of the Weekend for the only perfect 10-point ride of the event.

2024 Surf Masters WA State Championships | Champions

Open Men: Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough)
Open Women: Emma Cattlin (Yallingup)
Under 21 Pro Junior: Okie Fraser (Margaret River)
Over 35 Men: Jesse Molloy (Golden Bay)
Over 35 Women: Belinda Adams (Busselton)
Over 40 Men: Andrew Sheridan (Margaret River)
Over 45 Men: Andrew Sheridan (Margaret River)
Over 50 Men: Warren Boyes (Dunsborough)
Over 50 Women: Samantha Vanderford (Green Head)
Over 55 Men: Brian Williams (Mandurah)
Over 60 Men: Patrick Connell (City Beach)
Over 65 Men: Barrie McKinnon (Dunsborough)

Footage: Surfing WA