The Rip Curl National Surfing Championships delivered three days of exhilarating competition at Cox Bay, drawing top surfers from across Canada and beyond to Tofino’s iconic waves from May 9 to 11.
Fans and supporters gathered on the beach to witness impressive performances spanning age groups from Under-14 to 40+, celebrating both seasoned veterans and emerging young talents.
Among the standout competitors was 16-year-old local surfer Ocea Green, who captured the Under-16 Girls Division title with a commanding score of 17 points. Green’s performance showcased her growing prowess, and she also secured victory in the Under-18 Girls Division with 11.94 points, narrowly missing a clean sweep by finishing second in the Open Women’s Division.
“It’s special to compete at home where all the local kids come together,” Green said. “The surf scene in Tofino is improving rapidly, and seeing the younger generation push each other really elevates the level for everyone.”
Green’s achievements were particularly inspiring given she overcame a recent concussion sustained just two weeks prior to the event. She has been surfing the Tofino waves since age seven and intensified her passion during the 2020 pandemic lockdown.
In the Open Women’s Division, Mathea Demphle-Olin claimed first place with 12.2 points, edging out Green’s 10.97. Demphle-Olin described the final’s challenging conditions as “the trickiest of the day,” crediting her experience for navigating the tricky waves effectively.
“Each generation of surfers keeps raising the bar,” Demphle-Olin added, praising Tofino’s waves as a continual challenge that pushes competitors to improve.
The Under-16 Boys Division saw Tanner Sandvig from San Clemente, California, earn his first Rip Curl Nationals title with a narrow victory over Samuel Weber. Sandvig, competing at Tofino for the third time, praised the event’s competitive field and the unique beauty of the location.
Shea Bruhwiler captured the Under-18 Boys Division title with a score of 12.2 points, overcoming close rivals Clay Chiovitti and Memphis Brown. Bruhwiler expressed satisfaction with his consistent performance on “super fun” waves throughout the event.
In the 40+ Men’s Division, Shannon Campbell Brown, head coach of Canada’s National Surfing Team, secured his first national title with a score of 13.5. Brown, competing in the division for the first time, credited his experience and youthful edge for the victory.
“It’s pure joy to win here,” Brown said. “I’ve been coaching for over a decade, and it feels great to show the kids I coach that I can still compete at a high level.”
Brown’s win was particularly meaningful, coinciding with a special family moment as his one-month-old son, Benji, watched alongside his mother on Mother’s Day.
Brown emphasized that while he hopes to share his passion for surfing with his son, there will be no pressure for Benji to pursue the sport competitively.
The Rip Curl Nationals remains a pivotal event for Canada’s surfing community, drawing competitors and spectators from across the country and abroad. It serves not only as a platform for showcasing surfing talent but also as a celebration of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the vibrant surf culture in Tofino.