We’re excited to help spread the word that once again, Wrightsville Beach will be the venue for the Wahine Classic. As one of the longest standing female surf contests on the Eastern Seaboard, the Wahine Classic draws competitors of all ages from all over!
The action is set for Friday August 15th through Sunday the 17th. Over 100 female surfers will converge onto the scene and go head to head in these divisions: shortboard, longboard, and standup paddle board. For those surfers who are trying the contest scene for the first time, this year there will be two Novice categories. The first heats each day are set for 8 am. Access 38 at the south end of the island is where to grab a ringside seat and witness maneuvers from some of the most talented female surfers around.
One of the most popular competition categories is the “Teeny Weeny Wahine”. It has become a contest mainstay and has been a great way for hundreds of enthusiastic surfing parents to introduce the sport to their young daughters.
This year’s co-chairs are Jo Pickett of Crystal South Surf Camp and Jack Viorel, of Indo Jax Surf School and Charities. Both are proud parents of young ladies who have grown up participating in the Wahine Classic. In addition to being a driving force in the local surf community, Pickett has coached the East Coast Surfing Association’s elite female division. This role has put her in touch with the most capable female surfers in the area. “The idea is to bring all girls to the playing field,” Pickett says. “The developing ones learn from the most accomplished.”
Viorel moved his family from northern California to Wilmington several years ago. The former elementary school teacher immediately began a variety of community outreach charity surf camps that have become an institution among local surfers and volunteer supporters. His daughter, Gabby began surfing at age 4. Today at 11, she is eager to compete against the Wahines in the 12 and under division. Viorel observes, “Having an all female contest like this is a real platform to dive into surfing. There’s a competitive edge to it but it’s a community event.”
Make plans to attend this family friendly and very entertaining event! Why not pack a picnic and make a day of it? For anyone interested in learning more or obtaining an entry form, here is the official website link:
www.wrightsvillebeachwahineclassic.com
Be sure also to visit the facebook page for the latest information on the Wahine Classic: https://www.facebook.com/events/578233268962886/