The 2025 edition of Stab High Japan, organized by Stab Magazine and presented by Monster Energy, concluded with a series of aerial surfing performances at the Shizunami wave pool. The artificial wave event emphasized single, high-impact maneuvers over traditional turning combinations.
Event Focused on Aerial Surfing Performance
Held using PerfectSwell’s ‘McFly’ section, the event challenged surfers to execute advanced aerial tricks on a wave engineered specifically for flight. The wave ramp had previously been used by Pedro Barros and Italo Ferreira in São Paulo to claim some of the highest airs to date anywhere in a wave pool.
Judging focused on altitude, rotation, and style, and was carried out by a panel described by Stab as “pedantic” and “clipboard-wielding,” all with their own expertise in aerial surfing.
Stab High Contest Results
Australian surfer Hughie Vaughan won the Stab High overall title in the men’s division. Mikey Wright claimed the Monster Air award for what judges deemed the standout aerial maneuver of the competition.
“After failing to make a single ride in his opening heat, Mikey stomped the manoeuvre of the comp—landing bolts on a huge inverted Lien reverse for four tens and one nine,” wrote Nate Lawrence on Stab. “A 49/50 (points), as near to perfection as a Jordan flu game.”
In the youth-focused Bottle Rockets division, Loci Cullen and Arthur Vilar were named co-winners following closely matched performances. Sierra Kerr delivered a commanding performance to secure her division in the newly introduced Women’s category.
Previous Champions and Competitive Legacy
Stab High continued its tradition of spotlighting aerial specialists. Past winners have included Noa Deane, Chippa Wilson, Ian Crane, and Caity Simmers. Other standouts on the winners’ list are Erin Brooks, Matt Meola, Eithan Osborne, Kiara Gold, and Lucas Cassity.
The event’s expansion to include the Women’s division reflected a broader effort. Stab is making a concerted effort to represent multiple age groups and gender identities in wave pool surfing competitions.
