Beach Day this weekend at the Bruhwiler Kids Surf Classic 2026
Poster art by Millie Greg
By Erin Linn McMullan
This Sunday, June 14, 2026, the 12th annual Bruhwiler Kids Surf Classic in Tofino, BC offers more than a fun competition for future Olympic hopefuls. Every year, kids are introduced to the sportsmanship and camaraderie of a coldwater surf contest while enjoying a day at the beach and in the brisk waves of the Pacific. From beach games to beach cleans and sharing time with their friends in the sand and sea, this is a day to celebrate the ocean and community. 95 youth (ages 0-18) registered for this year’s event before the June 7th cut-off date. Whether they’re new or seasoned groms or trying out a non-competitive “expression session”, everybody wins!
This year’s location will be announced on social media and confirmed the morning of the contest, depending on surf conditions. Watch this space for updated details.
Featuring 20-minute live heats, this full-day contest kicks off at 8 a.m. sharp with the 18 Under Boys Semifinal Heat #1 and wraps up with the 18 Under Girls final heat at 3:40 p.m., with awards presented at 4 p.m. Check out the schedule Here.
Come cheer the kids on! Spectators are welcome!
Plan ahead to enjoy your beach day!
What to bring
Snacks and full water bottles are a must, and competitors and their families can also enjoy food and drinks donated by Tofino Co-Op and Tofino Kombucha.
Dress for west coast weather
Kids will be in their wetsuits most of the day so wool toques, windbreaking layers, and raingear can help keep them warm and dry between heats. Great advice for anyone coming to watch too!
Getting to the beach
Please think green! Bike, carpool, walk, run, paddle.
Parking
Please use a parking pass and park in designated parking areas only. If the contest is held at Chesterman, you can purchase via the kiosk at the main parking lot or download the Robbins Parking App and use the information at the trailhead. If the contest is held at Cox Bay, please park in the gravel lot at Maltby Road or public parking at Cox Bay Beach Resort.
Practice Leave No Trace
Pack out anything you pack in to help keep our beaches healthy and beautiful! Practice a 5-minute beach clean.
We respectfully enjoy the beaches and ocean here within ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ/Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks and the unceded territory of ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ First Nation. Take the ʔiisaak Pledge to show your appreciation for this incredible place and visit responsibly.
About this event
This free annual event was founded by Canada’s first family of surfing, Catherine, Sepp, and Raph Bruhwiler, who grew up here in Tofino on tinwis and Chesterman Beaches, as a way to encourage the love of surfing and ocean stewardship. Community support for this family-friendly beach day is always fantastic!
Visit the photo gallery and view drone footage to experience the fun during last year’s event at our Facebook event page.
Come play with us at the beach!