WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Women will be making waves this summer.
This year’s Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic returns August 11-13. According to Jo Pickett, competition organizer and former US National Shortboard Champion, “there are only a handful of surf competitions on the East Coast for ladies” and “the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach is recognized as one of the majors.”
Open to every skill level and age, the classic includes shortboard, longboard, tandem longboard and SUP surf divisions, with a cash prize for winners in the Pro Divisons.
“The mission of Wahine Classic is to empower girls of all ages, build their self-confidence and self-esteem, and to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness,” said Pickett. For some of the surfers, though, their goals may be more competitive.
Starting in 2020, surfing will become an Olympic sport. Mary Baggett, co-owner of the Blockade Runner Beach Resort (which hosts the event) said, “one day we hope to see our Wahine Classic girls on the podium wearing gold, silver, or bronze.”
The event kicks off on Friday, Aug. 11, with registration pickup and a family-friendly meet and greet at South End Surf Shop. Saturday’s competition is slated from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., continuing into Sunday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony on the beach.
The Southern North Carolina District of the Eastern Surfing Association and Roots to Recovery, an organization that supporting women suffering substance abuse disorders, are the designated charities for the 2017 Wahine Classic.
Spectators are welcome to cheer on the surfers next month. The best beach accesses to the event are 37 and 38, near the Blockade Runner.
Find out more about the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic here.
