Palm Beach–Avalon longboarder Max Weston has claimed his first World Surf League Longboard Tour title after taking out the 2025 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic in Victoria.
Breakthrough for Palm Beach Surfer
Max Weston secured his maiden World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour victory at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, held from 17 to 21 September 2025. The event was Stop No. 2 of the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour, staged in ideal conditions with four-to-six-foot waves lining the Bells Bowl.
It was Weston’s first Finals Day appearance and first win on the tour, confirming his status among Australia’s leading longboarders.
From Palm Beach to Bells
Originally from Palm Beach–Avalon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Weston began his competitive longboarding career with strong results across Australian events, including the 2023 Manly Longboard Classic and the 2023 Noosa Longboard Pro.
Now based in Melbourne, the 33-year-old balances a professional career with his surfing pursuits. His familiarity with the Surf Coast lineup proved crucial as he progressed past Cole Robbins of the United States, Rogelio Jr Esquievel of the Philippines, and fellow Australian Declan Wyton.
Finals Day Performance
In the men’s final, Weston scored a combined total of 15.00 points to defeat American Kevin Skvarna’s 13.57. Weston’s 8.50 wave early in the heat set the tone, highlighting his upright, traditional style.
He advanced through the semifinals with a total of 14.46 against Wyton and recorded a 15.96 in the quarterfinals against Esquievel. The result earned him 10,000 points and moved him to second place in the 2025 Longboard Tour standings.
Australian Presence Strong
Weston’s win placed him just behind fellow Australian Kai Ellice-Flint, who leads the tour after his win at the Lexus US Open of Surfing. Both surfers, teammates under Higher State Surfboards, now occupy the top two spots in the global rankings.
In the women’s division, American Soleil Errico maintained her dominance at Bells Beach with her third consecutive win, while Australia’s Tully White placed fifth overall.
Path Ahead
With this victory, Weston secured his place in the 2025 Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, joining Ellice-Flint and four-time world champion Taylor Jensen. The next stop on the 2025 tour will be the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic, scheduled from 24 to 26 October.
The World Surf League continues to oversee competitive surfing worldwide, promoting equality, sustainability, and innovation within the sport.
Published 3-Oct-2025
