How to experience the Margaret River Pro like a pro

08.03.2024

The region is renowned for pumping surf and there’s nothing better than watching the world’s best carve it up.

Local Margaret River favourite, and currently ranked as No.2 in the world, Jack Robinson, is returning home to compete in front of hundreds of home-based fans. Joining Robinson are other big-name surfers such as John John Florence, Molly Picklum and Jordy Smith who all love coming to the Margaret River Region.

The Margaret River Pro, the fifth leg on the 10-stop World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, marks the last stop of the first half of the tour and cuts the field down from 36 men to 24, and the women’s field from 18 to 12. These top-performing surfers will advance to the next stage to compete for the coveted World Title, and will also automatically receive an invite to the 2025 event – so it’s a very high-stakes stage of the tour.

The event will be held at Surfers Point from 11 – 21 April 2024 and, best of all, you can get a great seat and watch all the action live for free.

Surfers Point is the place to watch all the action as the bulk of the competition takes place on Main Break, South Side and The Box. At the event hub there’ll be big screens showing replays, expert commentary, food trucks, merchandise stands and young hopefuls can get up close and personal with their surfing stars. It’s inspiring to watch the surfers take their time after their heat and chat with groms who line the walkway to collect autographs and selfies.

Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane said Surfers Point is one of the best spectator points on the World Tour. “The viewing at Surfers Point is incredible with tiered areas to create an amphitheatre and the atmosphere is electric during competition and accessible to everyone,” Mark said.

“There will be heaps of food trucks and healthy eats, coffee and a licensed area.”

On 7 April, a few days before the Margaret River Pro begins, Main Break will host the Think Mental Health WA Trials, guaranteeing a place in the Margaret River Pro for a male and female Western Australian surfer to compete alongside the world’s best.

“The guy and girl that make it through the Think Mental Health WA Local Trials and get into the Pro to compete in the main event will ensure they are straight into the prize money rounds. What that does is help them fund their travels to other qualifying events.”

Southwest locals Jack Robinson, Bronte Macaulay and Jacob Willcox’s CT careers all started via the WA Trials. Last year Margaret River locals Jerome Forrest and Bronte Macaulay won the 2023 WA Trials. “Winning that event allowed them to travel more and compete more gaining experience and opportunity to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour. It’s all part of our pathway to the Pro approach,” Mark said.

Margaret River Pro Crowd at Surfers Point Prevelly

Tip: If you love surfing, then there’s no better surf competition than watching the world’s best take on The Box. If the Box is called “On”, grab your binoculars and head to Surfers Point for the best viewing.

How to Follow the Margaret River Pro

Every morning the WSL Commissioner decides on the contest based on conditions; this ensures that surfers compete on the best possible waves. Sign up for alerts or download the WSL app to get notified if the Margaret River Pro is called “On”, “Off” or “On Hold”.

Important Info

Shuttle buses: Buses will only run only on the weekends – leaving from McLeods Paddock, Wallcliffe Road opposite the Margaret River Golf Course to Surfers Point. Buses will run from 8 am – 4 pm daily depending on the competition schedule. There is no time schedule with buses running on a rotation.

Parking: Will only be available at McLeods Paddock, Wallcliffe Road opposite the Margaret River Golf Course on the weekends of the event and the shuttle bus will run on a continuous loop from Surfers Point to McLeods parking area. Parking will be available at Riflebutts Reserve during the weekdays.

Bike racks: There will be extra racking for bikes and scooters on site, so consider leaving the car at home altogether!

Dogs: Dogs are NOT permitted at the event site so please leave your pooch behind.

Rivermouth Access: Pedestrians will be able to access the Rivermouth at all times during the event. Vehicles can access the Rivermouth Beach carpark using Rivermouth Road on days the competition is not running.

Accessibility: There are accessible parking spots and paths of travel around the main event and toilets at the event. Assistance animals are welcome at the event and on the shuttle bus, with identification.

This is a smoke-free, vape-free event, and we kindly ask you not to bring drones or single-use plastics to the event site. The full 2024 event guide can be downloaded here.