The Wahine Classic Surfing Competition in Wrightsville Beach began in the summer of 2013. The event is one of the only all-female surfing competitions on the East Coast and it continues to grow each year, attracting both amateur and pro surfers. Jo Pickett, a legendary surfing instructor with over 20 years of experience and the owner of Crystal South Surf Camp, is the event’s organizer. Jo’s skill at teaching surfing and her love of incorporating yoga for strength and balance, have made her a popular coach and a successful one in competitive surfing. Many of her students have gone on to become surfing instructors themselves. From teaching surf etiquette and ocean safety to coastal ecology and marine life, Jo has helped many surfers develop a vast understanding of the ocean and how to enjoy surfing for pleasure or at the competition level.

HISTORY OF THE WAHINE CLASSIC
The origins of the Wahine Classic in Wrightsville Beach go back to 1997 when Tammy Zybura Kennedy started the East Coast Wahine Championship (ECWC) in response to a tragedy that occurred in our female surfing community. The ECWC was a success from the start. As the event continued to grow, additional organizers were asked to help including Jo, Anne Beasley Weber, Paula Bushardt, Karen Allison, Lisa Andre and Jack Viorel. 

In 2013, our Wahine contest name changed to the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic. Affectionately referred to as “the Wahine”, we continue the tradition of providing a fun-filled surfing and beach weekend in August for participants and spectators. The competition has continued to evolve and grow — and we’ve held the competition at both Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, NC. Female surfers, young and old, congregate with families and friends to compete and enjoy the surfing vibe that the term Wahine personifies.

CRYSTAL SOUTH SURF CAMP
Crystal South Surf Camp is the oldest and longest established surf camp in Southern North Carolina. Each year Crystal South offers summer camps in Wrightsville Beach, NC and Oak Island, NC. Under Jo’s direction, Crystal South has also become an international surfing program with adventure trips to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. To find out more about Crystal South’s programs, please visit their website by clicking here.

MISSION
The mission of the Wahine Classic is promote surfing and wellness in women and girls. Each year, the Wahine Classic raises money and makes a donation to a non-profit organization that promotes wellness for women and girls. Our 2023 recipient is the Southern North Carolina District (SNC) of the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA). 

SPONSORS WELCOME
Many levels of sponsorship are available. For more information, please see our Sponsorship Page. A list of 2023 sponsors and their logos is available on our home page. We are so thankful for the generosity and support of these companies. If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact us at jo@wahineclassic.com.