Monday, December 9, 2024

Catch these three surf events this summer

Several surf staples are set to return in Wrightsville Beach in August, including the Wahine Classic, the O'Neill-Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest and Surfers Healing.

Michael Dunphy surfs at the 2017 O'Neill/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest in Wrightsville Beach. (Port City Daily photo/Courtesy Brad Styron)
Michael Dunphy surfs at the 2017 O’Neill/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest in Wrightsville Beach. (Port City Daily photo/Courtesy Brad Styron)

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH—Whether you’re a surfer or spectator, there are a few events coming up in Wrightsville Beach where you can catch some waves.

This August, three returning surf contests will host events in Wrightsville Beach.

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Wahine Classic

All-female surf events have been a staple in Wrightsville Beach for 20 years. From 1997 to 2011, the East Coast Wahine Championships served as the first all-female surf event on the east coast. After a brief interim in 2012, the Wahine Classic again carried the torch for all-female surf events.

Held from Aug. 11 through 13, registration is open online for surfers of all ages. From the “Teenie Wahines,” to ages 10 and under, to women 18 and over, there are a variety of surf categories to compete in. Registration for the Wahine Classic closes on Aug. 6 at midnight.

O’Neill-Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest

Attracting professional surfers from around the states, the 13th annual O’Neill-Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest is set to return to Wrightsville Beach. Held in front of Sweetwater Surf Shop off Oceanic Street, the O’Neill-Sweetwater Pro-Am is the second largest surf event on the east coast.

With a $20,000 purse for the professional division, the contest will take place the weekend following the Wahine Classic from Aug. 17 through 19. Registration is open online and closes Aug. 15 at midnight.

An Art & Music Fest will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 in Wrightsville Beach Park, featuring surf vendors, live music and plenty of surf-enthusiasts.

Surfers Healing

A free event for children with autism, the national non-profit organization Surfers Healing will host an event in Wrightsville Beach on Aug. 20. Hosted by the Blockade Runner, the event is fully booked.

The one-day event offers natural therapy for children with autism. For more information, visit Surfers Healing website.


Send tips to Johanna Ferebee at johanna@localvoicemedia.com or follow Johanna on Twitter @j__ferebee

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