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Surfer Girls of All Ages Returning for Wahine Classic
Aug. 11-13, 2017
Wahine Classic Ambassador Leah Thompson (R), Courtesy Ed Potter
Results
2017 Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic
Pro Shortboard
1. Kat Neff, Carolina Beach, NC
2. Grace Muckenfuss, Folly Beach, SC / Wilmington, NC
3. Bree Labiak, Surfside, SC
4. Samantha Newkirk, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Pro Longboard
1. Karson Lewis, Wilmington, NC
2. Kat Neff, Carolina Beach, NC
3. Leilani Pickett, Wilmington, NC
4. Jo Pickett, Wilmington, NC
Open Shortboard
1. Rachel Wilson, Virginia Beach, VA
2. Callie Summerlin, Surf City, NC / Roanoke, VA
3. Katelyn Sewell, Wilmington, NC
4. Caitlyn Biggs, Wilmington, NC
SUP / Surf
1. April Zilg, Wilmington, NC
2. Jenny Alderman, Charleston, SC
3. Camden Hoover, Virginia Beach, VA
4. Ella Newkirk, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Women’s Shortboard
1. Willow Rea, Manteo, NC
2. Michaela Boone, Wilmington, NC
3. Leanne Young, Wrightsville Beach, NC
4. Aria Diliberto, Newark, Delaware
Girl’s Longboard
1. Bree Labiak, Surfside, SC
2. Rachel Wilson, Virginia Beach, VA
3. Camden Hoover, Virginia Beach, VA
4. Betsy Lewis, New Bern, NC
Girls Shortboard
1. Alyssa Parker, Wilmington, NC
2. Betsy Lewis, New Bern, NC
3. Kensey Ginsberg, Kure Beach, NC
4. Lily Skipper, Wilmington, NC
Women’s Longboard
1. Samantha Newkirk, Wrightsville Beach, NC
2. Willow Rea, Manteo , NC
3. Jenny Alderman, Charleston, SC
4. Nicole Nason, Wilmington, NC
Jr. Women Shortboard
1. Callie Summerlin, Surf City, NC / Roanoke, VA
2. Gabby Viorel, Wrightsville Beach, NC
3. Rachel Wilson, Virginia Beach, VA
4. Katelyn Sewell, Wilmington, NC
Jr. Women Longboard
1. Callie Summerlin, Surf City, NC / Roanoke, VA
2. Katelyn Sewell, Wilmington, NC
3. Bailey Kaiser, Mount Pleasant, SC
4. Gabby Viorel, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Guppies Shortboard
1. Camden Hoover, Virginia Beach, VA
2. Ella Champion, Oak Island, NC
3. Kylee Heath, Wilmington, NC
4. Krista Grace Hammel, Surfside Beach, SC
Tandem
1. Samantha Newkirk and Bailey Fort, both from Wilmington, NC
2. Alyssa Parker and Gabby Viorel, both from Wilmington, NC
3. Kylee Heath, Wilmington, NC, and Camden Hoover, Virginia Beach, VA
4. Callie Summerlin, Surf City, NC, and Katelyn Sewell, Wilmington, NC
Pre-event release for backstory:
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – One weekend per year, the boys step aside, and surfer girls of all ages take center stage at the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic. Open to newbies, amateurs, or professionals from around the globe, the annual classic returns August 11-13, 2017. Long-time Wahine Classic supporter Blockade Runner Beach Resort will serve as the host hotel.
“There are only a handful of surf competitions on the East Coast for ladies,” said Jo Pickett, event organizer, surf teacher, and former US National Shortboard Champion. “The Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach is recognized as one of the majors, in good company with Jacksonville, Florida, Folly Beach, and Virginia Beach.”
Along with new entries in 2017, Pickett expects most participants from last year to return. “Girls from Virginia to Florida make their way here to compete,” said Pickett. “They love this competition because they get to know each other and learn from each other in a supportive environment.”
2017 competition includes the Shortboard Divisions for guppies, girls, junior women, women, open, and pro; Longboard Divisions for girls, junior women, women, and pro; plus the Teenie Wahine, Tandem Longboard, and SUP Surf Divisions. Division winners will receive prizes contributed by local, national, and international businesses. A cash prize is provided in the Pro Divisions.
Crystal South Surf Camp Instructor Malia Harrell, Courtesy Ed Potter
Activities begin on Friday, Aug. 11, with registration pickup and “a meet, greet, eat, and surf evening for competitors and their families at South End Surf Shop,” said Pickett. Saturday’s competition is scheduled from 8 AM until 4 PM. Sunday is slated from 8 AM until 3 PM followed by an awards ceremony on the beach. Online event registration will close at midnight on August 9.
Spectators are welcome. The best accesses to the beach are 37 and 38, or just a short walk on the beach from Blockade Runner.
“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. “While having a fun weekend of learning, teaching, and friendly competition, the girls and ladies develop mutual trust and lasting friendships. We believe that time spent in the ocean has a positive impact on our lives.”
2017 Ambassadors for the Wahine Classic are Oak Island, NC native Swain Curtain, a UNCW student and Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) Surfer for the past four years; University of North Florida Student Kat Neff, a two-time East Coast Junior Women Longboard Champion and three-time ESA Regional Champ; and, Wilmington’s Leah Thompson, named the Carissa Moore Rookie of the Year in 2016, the 4th place winner in the NSSA Nationals in Huntington Beach, CA, and first-place winner in the under-18 ESA Mid-Atlantic Regionals.
ISA certified Bradley Rose and Steven Mangiacapre will serve as Head Judges, assisted by Judges Eric Knight, Jed Jeffries, Dylan Stone, and John Sideris.
“It is encouraging to see an increase in surfing and other watersports opportunities for ladies and girls,” said Mary Baggett, Wrightsville resident and co-owner of host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort. “With surfing as an Olympic sport starting in 2020, one day we hope to see our Wahine Classic girls on the podium wearing gold, silver, or bronze.”
“Last year we switched our awards to medals,” said Pickett, owner of Crystal South Surf Camp. “When I hung the medals around the younger’s girls necks I told them, “This is just like the Olympics because surfing is in the Olympics in 2020.” They all lit up. They just thought that was the coolest thing.”
Designated charities for the 2017 Wahine Classic include Roots to Recovery, an organization that supports women with children dealing with opioid and other addictions, and the Southern North Carolina District of the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA).
Wahine Classic Ambassador Kat Neff (top) w/Camden Hoover, Courtesy Ed Potter
One week following the Wahine Classic, on Monday, Aug. 21, Surfers Healing returns to Wrightsville Beach. Surfers Healing was founded 20 years ago by professional surfer Izzy Paskowitz and his wife Danielle for their son Isaiah after he was diagnosed with autism. Paskowitz, whose son experienced the positive impact of surfing, now shares this unique therapy with other children diagnosed with autism. Wrightsville Beach is one of 21 locations on the 2017 tour from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and coast-to-coast in the Continental United States.
Contact:
Jo Pickett, Chair
Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic
(910) 465-9638
jopickettcrystalsouthsurf@gmail.com
Robert B Butler
Communications | PR
Permission granted for redistribution – Photo credits, please.
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Ed Potter from the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
2016 Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic - photo by Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
Courtesy of Ed Potter
2016 Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic, courtesy of Ed Potter
2016 Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic, courtesy of Ed Potter
2016 Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic, courtesy of Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Wahine Classic Artwork by Leilani Pickett
Results
2016 Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic
Pro Longboard
1st Cat Sizemore – Folly Beach, SC
2nd Leah Thompson – Wrightsville Beach, NC
3rd Carly Carter – Wrightsville Beach, NC
4th Julia Eckel – Wrightsville Beach, NC
Stand Up Paddleboard
1st Carrie Copenhaver – Virginia Beach, VA
2nd Saylor Emmart – Wrightsville Beach, NC
3rd Jenna Blackburn – Wrightsville Beach, NC
4th Ella Newkirk – Wrightsville Beach, NC
Girls Longboard
1st Reece Blue – Carolina Beach, NC
2nd Katelyn Sewell – Wilmington, NC
3rd Olivia Wendell – Pauley’s Island, SC
4th Saylor Emmart – Wrightsville Beach
Open Shortboard
1st Leah Thompson – Wrightsville Beach
2nd Olivia Wendell – Pauley’s Island, SC
3rd Swain Curtin – Virginia Beach, VA
4th Terry Green – Garden City, SC
Junior Women Longboard
1st Bailey Kaiser – Mount Pleasant, SC
2nd Rose Steingold – Virginia Beach, VA
3rd Ragan Curtin – Virginia Beach, VA
4th Hadie Winslow – Wrightsville Beach, NC
Girls Shortboard
1st Katelyn Sewell – Wilmington, NC
2nd Saylor Emmart – Wrightsville Beach, NC
3rd Gabby Viorel – Wrightsville Beach, NC
4th Alyssa Parker – Wilmington, NC
Women Longboard
1st Samantha Newkirk – Wrightsville Beach, NC
2nd Swain Curtin – Virginia Beach, VA
3rd Carrie Copenhaver – Virginia Beach, NC
4th Trish Steingold – Virginia Beach, VA
Junior Women Shortboard
1st Leah Thompson – Wrightsville Beach, NC
2nd Michaela Boone – Wilmington, NC
3rd Caitlin Biggs – Wilmington, NC
4th Sarah Bimson – Virginia Beach, VA
Guppy
1st Ella Champion – Oak Island, NC
2nd Annie Mulligan – Wrightsville Beach, NC
3rd Natalie Fox – Wilmington, NC
4th Julia Boos – Carolina Beach, NC
Women Shortboard
1st Leilani Pickett – Wrightsville Beach, NC
2nd Samantha Newkirk – Wrightsville Beach, NC
3rd Swain Curtin – Virginia Beach, VA
4th Terry Green – Garden City, SC
Tandem
1st Leah Thompson / Madeline Eckel
2nd Sarah Brimson / Ragan Curtin
3rd Samantha Newkirk / Alyssa Parker
4th Mary Lamporte / Lexi Poindexter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
The Girls Are Back in Town
August 19-21, 2016
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC — Girls will take center stage during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic, the popular surf event scheduled for Aug. 19-21, 2016. Girls ranging from toddlers to more than 65 years of age will ride the clear, Bimini-blue waves for which this southeastern Atlantic surfing hotspot is known.
The Wahine Classic is one of only a handful of women’s surfing events on the East Coast. “Girls from Virginia to Florida make their way here to compete,” said Jo Pickett, female surfing legend and tournament organizer. “They love this competition because they get to know each other and learn from each other in a supportive environment.”
Friday, Aug.19, attendees under 18 can participate in clinics to learn about contest strategy and wave selection. “These surfers are young, might just be getting started, and need some pointers,” Pickett said. Packet pickup on Friday is at South End Surf Shop on Wrightsville Beach. Long-time Wahine Classic supporter Blockade Runner Beach Resort will serve as the host hotel.
Surfers may compete in a variety of divisions. The professional shortboard and longboard divisions will each offer a $1,000 purse split between the top four finishers for each board class. Cash purse sponsors are Marine Warehouse and the Crystal South Surf Community.
Amateur longboard and shortboard divisions are divided into age groups, as specified by Surfing America. The standup paddleboard surfing division is open to Wahines of all ages. Winners will receive prizes contributed by local, national, and international businesses.
Judges certified by the International Surfing Association will score the event.
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
The Teeny Wahine Division, open to surfers ages 10 and under, is the highlight of the weekend for spectators. “We run it like a real division and put a jersey on each competitor,” Pickett said. “A parent or adult assists each child. Every competitor in the division gets an award and T-shirt.”
Wahine surfing events in Wrightsville Beach started in 1997 and continued through 2011. After a one-year hiatus, the ladies-only surfing competition returned due to widespread demand and support from surfing enthusiasts and the community. “The girls missed the contest when it didn’t run,” Pickett said. “They always say it is the most fun they have all summer.” 2016 marks the fourth year Pickett, owner of Crystal South Surf Camp, has been organizing the event.
“It’s encouraging to see an increase in girl’s and women’s participation in surfing, standup paddleboard, and other watersports,” said Mary Baggett, Wrightsville resident, and co-owner of Blockade Runner Beach Resort.
Pickett said the contest provides a festival-like atmosphere with displays and booths of interest to Wahines and the watersports community. Wrightsville Beach Public Accesses 37 and 38 are the best places for spectators to set up camp and browse vendor tents. Pickett expects around 100 competitors.
Contact:
Jo Pickett, Chair
Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic
(910) 465-9638
jopickettcrystalsouthsurf@gmail.com
Robert B Butler
Communications | PR
Permission granted for redistribution
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
Photography by Ed Potter
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