TOFINO, B.C. — Cox Bay came alive with surf, sun, and sportsmanship over the weekend as Canada’s top wave riders gathered for the 2024 Rip Curl Nationals. Held from May 9 to 11, the competition brought together elite surfers, local legends, and rising stars across divisions ranging from Under-14 to 40+.
The three-day national event saw large crowds line the beach, cheering on athletes through shifting wave conditions and tight heats.
Ocea Green of Tofino emerged as one of the weekend’s biggest names, securing victories in both the Under-16 and Under-18 Girls Divisions. Green, who scored 17 points in the U16 final, dominated a strong field that included Camille Cortazzo (11.04), Teagan Sandvig (10.07), and Jade Rosene (5.67).
“This event brings everyone together,” said Green. “Young surfers who can’t compete internationally get a chance to show what they can do, and it gives older competitors a chance to prove they’ve still got it.”
Despite suffering a concussion just two weeks earlier, Green was thrilled to compete.
“I was really bummed at first and didn’t think I’d make it. But being able to surf and win after that made me so happy,” she said.
Green began surfing around age 7 but became fully dedicated during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“Surfing became my escape. Every day was different, and I loved that. You’re always learning,” she said. She also gave a heartfelt shoutout to her mother on Mother’s Day before clinching the U18 title with a score of 11.94.
In the Open Women’s Division, Green nearly made a clean sweep but finished second to Mathea Demphle-Olin, who posted a 12.2 score. Aqua Bruhwiler came third (7.9), followed by Luana Ferrari (6.03).
“The finals were the toughest all day,” said Demphle-Olin. “I used my experience to adapt and stay consistent. You don’t always need huge scores if you play it smart.”
Demphle-Olin echoed Green’s praise for the next generation of surfers.
“Every year the younger surfers get better. It’s amazing to see them pushing the level higher,” she said. “Competing here at home makes it even more special.”
In the Under-16 Boys Division, Tanner Sandvig of San Clemente, California, captured his first win in his third visit to the event. He scored 13.63 in the final, narrowly edging out Samuel Weber (13.37), Kye Sale (11.57), and Ryder Prouty (11.3).
“I can’t believe I won. It was so close,” said Sandvig. “I caught a great wave at the end and just went for it.”
Sandvig praised both the competition and the location.
“Tofino is amazing—beautiful and full of fun waves,” he said.
The Under-18 Boys Division saw Shea Bruhwiler rise to the top with a score of 12.2, ahead of Clay Chiovitti (11.37), Memphis Brown (11.17), and Fletcher Bebault (6.03).
“Everyone out there was ripping,” said Bruhwiler. “I just tried to stay consistent and land my maneuvers. It feels incredible to leave as champion.”
Veteran surfer Shannon Campbell Brown took home the title in the 40+ Men’s Division with a commanding score of 13.5. He bested Greg Urata (9.04), Jesse Broten (8.8), and Mikey Nixon (5.43).
“This win feels like pure joy,” said Brown, who also serves as head coach for Canada’s National Surfing Team.
Competing every year since 2007, Brown entered the 40+ division for the first time, knowing he had a slight edge being younger than most of the field.
“I knew if I got two solid waves early, I’d be hard to beat,” he said. “It was great to show the younger surfers I still have it.”
The weekend held even deeper meaning for Brown, who recently became a father. His one-month-old son Benji watched from the beach with his mom on Mother’s Day.
Brown said he hopes to share surfing with his son but won’t pressure him into the sport.
“I’ll expose him to it and hope he loves it,” he said. “But whatever he chooses, I’ll be proud.”
As the 2024 Rip Curl Nationals came to a close, it was clear that Tofino continues to be a vital hub for Canadian surfing. The event highlighted not only the country’s elite talent but also the vibrant community that supports the sport’s growth across generations.
“From young groms to seasoned veterans, everyone pushed each other to be better,” said Green. “It’s exciting to see how far surfing in Canada has come—and where it’s going next.”