How To: Experience the Margaret River Region’s Surf Scene

As a WSL Championship Tour event, the Margaret River Pro welcomes surfing’s global elite to compete here.  You could watch pros Jack Robinson, Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore or Carissa Moores make surfing Main Break look easy (which it certainly is not). Park up in Prevelly, with a cold brew or warm tea, and spend the morning watching the pros go head-to-head at Surfer’s Point from 20-30 April.

Take a break from the sun at the first ever official Western Australian surfing museum — the WA Surf Gallery at Aravina Estate.  Founded to celebrate surfing history throughout Western Australia, the WA Surf Gallery houses the official collection of surfing memorabilia — over 160 items.

The gallery is located just minutes from the world-famous breaks of Yallingup, Margaret River and Gracetown. You can see their collection of rare and never-before-seen memorabilia, including surfboards from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, as well as images from legend WA surfers in the days before being launched onto the world stage. The gallery is open to the public every day from 11am – 5pm with free entry.

The masterminds behind the handcrafted wave-riding machines are the surfboard shapers — local artisans who are constantly innovating the designs of surfboards specifically tailored to the waves around the area.

There’s history here, too. Tom Hoye, one of the first international surfers to relocate to the Margaret River Region from California, started Precision Equip Surfboards over fifty years ago. After teaching himself to shape surfboards, he worked with the late Jack O’Neill (inventor of the wetsuit) in the 1960s. He’s credited with introducing twin fin surfboards to Australia in 1970.

Nathan Rose and Mat Manners are also notable mentions. Conveniently enough, both of their warehouses are also located in the industrial area of Margaret River town.

Further north in Dunsborough is Yahoo Surfboards, a store that also manufactures their boards and has been an institution of the scene since 1990. A visit is a trip through the local surf culture and history, with photos and boards from different eras available to view.

There are plenty of beach-friendly goodies to find at the local surf shops around the region. Hillzeez is a family-owned surf shop offering a range of surf and skate products for over 30 years. They stock men’s and women’s apparel and shoes, surfboards, wetsuits and bodyboards, skateboards and all of the necessary accessories.

If you don’t surf or skate, don’t feel shy. Pop in to find your new favourite beach hat, towel or sunscreen. With shop locations from Busselton, Dunsborough down to Margaret River, Hillzeez is accessible to everyone.

The Sea Garden Café is located in the heart of surfing paradise. It’s just a two-minute walk from Surfers Point in Prevelly. Walk down the winding road and onto the driveway to witness Australia’s longest surfboard fence, showcasing boards of all colours, shapes and personalities. Head up to the café and feed your growling belly with one of their delicious dishes. Share a cold cocktail with a friend on the terrace while enjoying the view of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.

Photo Credits: Elements, Jess Ker Photo, Zac White, Tim Campbell Photo.