Tofino’s Cox Bay came alive with energy and excitement from May 9–11 as the Rip Curl Nationals brought together the country’s top surfers for a weekend of thrilling competition and camaraderie.
Spectators filled the beach to cheer on competitors of all ages, from rising stars in the Under-14 division to seasoned veterans over 40. The event served as a celebration of Canadian surfing talent, uniting Tofino locals with visiting athletes in a high-spirited contest.
“It’s amazing to have it here at home,” said Ocea Green, who clinched the title in both the Under-16 and Under-18 Girls Divisions. “All the kids and surfers in Tofino come together for this event. It really gives younger surfers who might not compete internationally a chance to show their talent, and it’s also a stage for older surfers to prove they’ve still got it.”
Green dominated the Under-16 final with an impressive 17-point heat score, finishing ahead of Camille Cortazzo (11.04), Teagan Sandvig (10.07), and Jade Rosene (5.67). Despite the fierce competition, Green emphasized her focus was on personal growth and performance.
“For me, it’s not about beating others, it’s about surfing my best,” she said. “I just want everyone in each heat to get a few good waves and surf well. That’s what really makes me happy.”
Green’s performance was particularly meaningful after a recent injury nearly kept her out of the event.
“I had a concussion just two weeks ago,” she revealed. “I’ve been working hard all year, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to compete. So just getting out there and surfing made me really happy.”
Green, now 16, has surfed since she was seven but became more dedicated during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“I wasn’t in school, and I started surfing every day. Each session felt different, and I loved learning something new every time,” she said. “That’s what I love most—no two days in the ocean are the same.”
She also placed second in the Open Women’s Division, where she was narrowly edged out by Mathea Dempfle-Olin.
Dempfle-Olin, a local favorite, echoed Green’s optimism about the future of Canadian surfing.
“Each generation just gets better and better,” she said. “It’s really exciting to watch the younger surfers push boundaries. I love competing in Tofino. The waves may not always be the best, but there are always gems out there—it’s a challenge and a lot of fun.”
The boys’ divisions delivered equally close contests. In the Under-16 Boys final, California’s Tanner Sandvig edged out Samuel Weber with a score of 13.63 to 13.37.
“It feels really good to finally win,” Sandvig said. “The competition is tough—there are a lot of strong surfers here. Tofino is amazing. It’s beautiful, and the waves are super fun.”
Shea Bruhwiler emerged victorious in the Under-18 Boys Division, while Shannon Campbell Brown, head coach of Canada’s National Surfing Team, won his first national title in the 40+ Men’s Division.
“The local competition is fierce—it’s hard to win here,” said Campbell Brown. “But I’m thrilled to finally take a title. I’ve been coaching for over a decade, and to have my students watching on the beach while I compete makes it even more special.”
He praised the event for its welcoming spirit and high level of competition.
“This event is all about catching up with friends, surfing hard, putting on a jersey, and battling it out in the water,” he said. “Then we all come back to the beach, high-five, and share a beer. It’s beautiful.”
The Rip Curl Nationals once again proved to be more than just a competition—it was a celebration of surf culture, sportsmanship, and the ever-rising tide of talent on Canada’s west coast.