With over 100 female surfers from New Jersey to Florida ranging in age from toddlers to 65, the annual Wahine Classic, one of the largest surfing competitions for women and girls on the East Coast, ended Sunday in Wrightsville Beach.
Photo courtesy- Ed Potter.
“The weekend weather was excellent with temperatures in the 80s,” said Jo Pickett, event chair, surf teacher, and U.S. National Shortboard Champion in 2004. “This is a weekend when the men and boys have to move over. The Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach is one of the major ladies’ surfing events.”
The two-day competition included surfing, tandem surfing, and paddle surfing in 15 divisions by age and skill level. Savannah Bradley of Folly Beach, South Carolina took home top honors in the pro short board event, while Karon Lewis and Julia Eckel of Wrightsville Beach took the top two spots in the pro long board category.
“It is encouraging to see an increase in surfing, standup paddleboard, and other sporting events for ladies and girls,” said Wrightsville resident Mary Baggett, co-owner of the Blockade Runner, host hotel for the event. “This is the most fun thing we do all summer.”
Click here for a complete photo gallery from the event.
