Media Release
2025 SHAW AND PARTNERS WORLD OCEAN SERIES HAYDEN KENNY CLASSIC
5TH-7th December 2025
SHAW AND PARTNERS HAYDEN KENNY CLASSIC
MAJOR PARTNERS
BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER.
The Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series return to the Sunshine Coast this summer for one of its most iconic stops for the 5th Edition of the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Hayden Kenny Classic, held from December 5–7. Honouring the pioneering Ironman and surf lifesaving legend Hayden Kenny, this event celebrates the rich history, spirit, and athletic excellence that helped shape surf sport in Australia.
Across three action-packed days, Australia’s best surf athletes will descend on Alexandra Headland for fast, technical, and highly competitive racing in the heart of one of the country’s most passionate surf communities. Last year’s champions Ali Day and Emma Woods are locked in to headline a star-studded field, with rising talent and seasoned professionals all chasing crucial series points in the race for the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series crown.
On Sunday the next generation will line up for the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series U11-U14 Hayden Kenny Classic. Where the nation’s best young surf athletes are ready to light it up again on the Sunshine Coast. The Nipper component of the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series is more than just a junior race day it’s an investment in the grassroots of surf sports. By showcasing U11–U14 athletes on the same stage as Australia’s elite, the Series brings the entire pathway to life.
With world class hospitality and a beachside festival atmosphere delivered by Alexandra Headland Surf life Saving Club, the Hayden Kenny Classic promises to be a standout celebration of History,culture, community, and elite performance.
WATCH FINALS BROADCAST SATURDAY 6TH OF DECEMBER BELOW AT 2:00PM AEST
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM JOE NATOLI:
Welcome to Alexandra Headland, one of our most popular surf locations, perfect for this epic event.
Whether the waves are pumping or playful, we know you’ll bring the energy, skill and spirit that make this sport so special.
The Hayden Kenny Classic continues to grow each year, and we’re proud to see it featured on the World Ocean Series calendar—one of the globe’s most prestigious surf sport events.
If you’re visiting for the first time or returning to familiar shores, we invite you to explore the Sunshine Coast Biosphere’s diverse experiences, vibrant events and unforgettable destinations.
If you are arriving early for the event or staying on afterwards, please enjoy our buzzing café and dining scenes at The Wharf Mooloolaba, Mooloolaba Esplanade and Ocean Street in Maroochydore. Further afield, Maleny, Montville and Caloundra are also well worth a visit.
Taste the freshest local produce and seafood including our famous Mooloolaba Prawns and discover why the region is celebrated as Australia’s Craft Beer Capital. With a wide selection of locally brewed beverages available at bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect way to connect, celebrate, or simply unwind.
Whether you’re here as an athlete, support crew or spectator, on behalf of Sunshine Coast Council, I wish you an incredible experience and plenty of sunshine moments during your time with us.
SURFANTASY:
Surfantasy is the ultimate surf sport fantasy game. Build your team of Surf Sports athletes and compete with friends and fans around the world!
Ahead of the Shaw and Partners Hayden Kenny Classic, we wanted to encourage you to play Surfantasy – the new fantasy game for surf sports. It is a great initiative that helps promote surf sports and is designed to make surf sports more fun, more visible, and more interactive.
Its objective is to expand the audience of our sport which is good for us all, so we encourage you to join, create a league and invite your family and friends to play.
Build your athlete profile (takes 10 mins). Surfantasy includes dedicated athlete profile pages to help fans — especially new followers — quickly learn who you are, your craft, and your background.
Completing your profile also unlocks your private athlete dashboard, where you can track:
• How many people favourite you,
• How many Surfantasy players select you in their team,
• Views and analytics on your profile,
• Engagement from your leagues and supporters.
The more people who play and follow you, the stronger your stats and visibility.
How to create your profile (for Open athletes only)
A short video tutorial on building your athlete profile and accessing your private dashboard is available here:
https://surfantasy.com.au/how-to
Or if you'd prefer to dive straight in without the video:
1 Sign up at www.surfantasy.com.au
2 Then log off (yes log off first) and visit this private link and log in here to build your profile:
http://www.surfantasy.com.au/athlete-profile
3 Once logged in, type your surname and select yourself. Then enter your profile including uploading some photos and submit for publishing
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via the Surfantasy contact form (https://surfantasy.com.au/contact).
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
FORECAST:
The Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Hayden Kenny Classic is set for a warm and mostly sunny weekend, with temperatures climbing into the high 20s and low 30s across the weekend . Surf conditions are forecast to remain small at 0–1ft each day, creating fast, flat and highly technical racing with an emphasis on skills, transitions and pure speed. Light winds dominate the mornings, offering smooth, glassy conditions before a slight afternoon pulse on Sunday. Overall, it’s shaping up to be a perfect showcase for elite surf-sport racing with tight finishes guaranteed.
Tides:
⁃ High Tide Friday: 0754 AM, 2.1M
⁃ Low Tide Friday 1437 PM, .1M
⁃ High Tide Saturday: 0843 AM, 2.1M
⁃ Low Tide Saturday: 1530 PM, .1M
- High Tide Sunday: 0934 AM, 1.2M
- Low Tide Sunday: 1623 PM, .1M
COMMUNITY AND CULTURE:
The Shaw and Partners Hayden Kenny Classic returns to the Sunshine Coast with thousands of athletes, families, and surf-sport fans set to descend on Alexandra Headland for an unforgettable three-day celebration. Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club will once again sit at the centre of the action, delivering world-class hospitality and creating the perfect beachfront hub for competitors and spectators alike.
Across the weekend, the club will offer premium food and beverage options, cold refreshments, and all-day service to ensure every athlete’s race experience is nothing short of legendary. With live entertainment, a buzzing event precinct, and the incredible backdrop of Alex Beach, the Classic promises an electric atmosphere that captures the very best of community, culture, and coastal spirit.
ATHLETE GUIDE:
Who to familiarise your self with
Ali Day the King
Ali Day returns to the Shaw and Partners Hayden Kenny as the reigning Ironman champion, ready to defend his title on one of the sport’s most iconic weekends. A master of preparation and race strategy, Day’s presence instantly lifts the standard of any start line, and his record speaks for itself.
Ethan Callaghan
Ethan Callaghan’s rise started right here at the Hayden Kenny Classic the event many now call his breakout win. Since then he’s gone from promising talent to genuine contender, backing it up with a massive 7,000-point victory in Port Macquarie. Returning 395 days later, Ethan isn’t the surprise packet anymore. He’s one of the athletes to beat.
Finn Askew
Surfers Paradise talent Finn Askew turned heads in Shaw and Partners Port Macquarie with a second place in the 7,000-point round and a first in the 5,000 pts round at Coffs Harbour result that’s suddenly thrown him into the top 4 ranking's. Finn hasn’t always found this level of consistency in the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series, but when he’s on, he is genuinely world-class. The Hayden Kenny Classic will be the perfect test to see if Finn can keep the momentum rolling.
Lani Pallister
Olympian Lani Pallister will descend on her home beach to take glory. Lani is one of Australia’s most exciting dual-threat athletes a world-class Olympic swimmer and a homegrown surf lifesaving product who grew up racing here at Alex. A multiple world champion in the pool, Lani has broken records on the global stage while staying deeply connected to her surf club roots. Its an Honour every time she comes and races at the Shaw and Partners World Ocean series.
Lana Rogers
A multiple-time Ironwoman champion, Lana has already stamped her authority on this season with two 5,000-point victories in the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series proving she’s not only in form, but firmly in control of the women’s field. Lana has already stamped her authority on this season with two 5,000-point victories in the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series proving she’s not only in form, but firmly in control of the women’s field. Her combination of ocean skill, elite transitions and fierce competitiveness makes her one of the hardest athletes to beat when the stakes rise.
Kaitlin Rees
We have been impressed with Kaitlin Rees so far this summer, While others have shared the big wins, Kaitlin has built her campaign on smart racing, relentless effort, and always finding a way to stay in the mix. That consistency has put her in the series lead, but with the field tightening, she knows a strong result here is crucial if she wants to maintain control of the title race.
This weekend is a pivotal moment a chance for Kaitlin to reinforce her ranking, absorb the pressure, and prove she’s not just leading the series… she’s ready to win it.
COMPETITION SCHEDULE:
Friday 31 October:
The weekend kicks off on Friday afternoon with the Open Ironman and Ironwoman heats, setting the tone for an exciting few days of racing.
Saturday 1 November:
A full day of racing action, with all finals kicking off at 2pm when the best in the business go head-to-head for vital series points.
Sunday 2 November:
The spotlight shifts to the sport’s future with the U11- U14 showcasing the next generation of ocean athletes as they compete for glory.
*REAL TIME RESULTS BELOW:
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SHAW AND PARTNERS WORLD OCEAN SERIES HAYDEN KENNY CLASSIC
SHAW AND PARTNERS HAYDEN KENNY CLASSIC U11-U14
MORE THEN RACING:
VISIT SUNSHINE COAST
Make a weekend of it on the Sunshine Coast
While you’re here for the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series, explore everything the region has to offer – from world-class beaches and coastal walks to great cafes, bars and family attractions. Start planning your stay at Visit Sunshine Coast and don’t forget to share your weekend with #visitsunshinecoast.
NOT IN THE AREA?
Can’t make it to the Sunshine Coast? Don’t miss a Final. Stream, it live via the Shaw and Partners World Ocean series YouTube channel
Want to learn more about the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series
Click here