There’s nothing quite like small-town surf culture!
Welcoming both surfers and spectators alike, you won’t want to miss this inaugural three-day event.
Brought to us for the first time ever, Vancouver Island Longboard Surf Contest will be taking over Wickaninnish Beach, territory of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ people, in Ucluelet from Friday, May 31st to Sunday, June 2nd.
They promise an action-packed weekend full of celebration, afterparties throughout town and the perfect opportunity to experience a true west coast community event!
Gather family members, let all your surfer pals know, and witness incredible longboarding talent all in one beautiful place.
Plus, from Thursday, May 30th up until the end of the contest, attendees can enjoy additional activities such as live music, traditional Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ dance and a beach clean.
The Vancouver Island Longboard Surf Contest was created by David Schiaffino, who scored the Longboard Champion of Canada in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
He’s both a longboard legend and a respected local, and has always had a vision of bringing people together for some friendly competition, building the community and shining a light on surfing in Ucluelet.
“The hope is to build a world-class surf event and add more competition days with top athletes in longboarding,” an event page reads.
To follow along with contest updates and additional information, you can visit their Instagram page.
In case anyone is unfamiliar with longboarding, the only difference from shortboarding is the length—with longboards being above 9 feet, uniquely allowing surfers to propel into smaller waves.
Never surfed before but want to? You’re in the right place! Ucluelet is home to a great deal of surf shops, which makes it simple to book a lesson for you and your loved ones.
Vancouver Island Longboard Surf Contest
- Where: Wickaninnish Beach, territory of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ people, Ucluelet
- When:
- Thursday, May 30th: registration and live music
- Friday, May 31st: contest runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, June 1st: contest runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, June 2nd: contest runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Awards ceremony/afterparty: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
