Image credit: Jack Robinson 2022 | Surfing WA
The Fantasy Guide You Actually Need (locals touch)
Image credit: Bronte Macaulay & Jack Thomas 2026 | Surfing WA
Firstly! Congrats to these two local legends! Have had the pleasure of spending time in and out of the water with both Bronte and Jack and they're quality humans so WE ARE STOKED! and.. Chippa is back as the wildcard, deservingly so might we add. Go well legends. West is Best.
Image credit: Jacob Wilcox 2025 | Surfing WA
Margies is not Bells.. and thankfully so!
It’s raw West Australian ocean.
Heavy water, long lines, shifting conditions and one of the most underrated factors on Tour… local knowledge.
Surfers need to match the wave here.
And if the event shifts across the bay to The Box, everything changes.
WHY THIS EVENT MATTERS
Margaret River rewards a very specific type of surfer:
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Strong on the rail
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Comfortable in size
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Patient under pressure
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Willing to commit
This is why the same names consistently show up here. You have to be well rounded.
EVENT HISTORY
Recent winners tell the story:
Men
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Jack Robinson
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Jordy Smith
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Gabriel Medina
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Filipe Toledo
Women
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Gabriela Bryan (back-to-back)
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Carissa Moore
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Tyler Wright
These aren’t random results.
They are surfers who can handle power.
1. MAIN BREAK (MOST LIKELY)
Main Break is all about:
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Timing
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positioning
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rail control
This is where:
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Ethan Ewing thrives
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Jordy Smith dominates
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Connor O’Leary becomes dangerous
2. THE BOX (GAME CHANGER)
If it runs here, everything shifts.
The Box is:
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Fast
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shallow
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unforgiving
This brings in:
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Jack Robinson
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Jacob Willcox
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Barron Mamiya
And anyone comfortable in heavy barrels.
TOP PICKS
MEN
Jack Robinson
Local knowledge + proven winner + elite in both conditions.
Jordy Smith
Power surfing at its best. Always a threat here.
Ethan Ewing
Best rail surfer on tour. Perfect for Main Break.
VALUE PICKS
Jacob Willcox
Local, hungry, and extremely dangerous in heavier surf.
Connor O’Leary
Smart, composed, and built for this type of wave.
Liam O’Brien
Strong rail game that fits Margaret River perfectly, plus is a weapon at the Box.
BOX SPECIALISTS
If the forecast shifts:
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Barron Mamiya → barrel instinct
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Liam Obrien → fearless
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Jack Robinson → best in field
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Cola bros love it too!
WOMEN
Gabriela Bryan
Back-to-back winner. Confidence is high. Hard to go past.
Molly Picklum
Power + consistency = points.
Tyler Wright
One of the best in waves like this.
VALUE
Bronte Macaulay
Local wildcard. Massive upside. Go Bronte!
Isabella Nichols
Performs well in Australian conditions. Has won here in the past too.
Carissa Moore
Experience always counts here. Hawaiin X factor.
FANTASY STRATEGY (2026 FORMAT)
New rule:
Only 2 picks per tier.
This changes everything.
Winning approach:
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1 safe pick
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1 risky pick
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Adjust if conditions change
Margaret River exposes weakness.
If you pick based on highlights, you’ll lose.
If you pick based on conditions, experience and fit… you’re already ahead. We rate this article..
https://www.swellnet.com/news/form-guide/2026/04/14/forecast-2026-margaret-river-pro
Join the Mazorca WSL Fantasy League and back your calls!
Image credit: Griffin Colapinto 2025 | Surfing WA
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