Bruhwiler Kids Classic – Saturday, September 19

Babies in wetsuits.  Nine year olds riding the waves.  Kids having fun just being kids on the beach.

That’s the inclusive spirit embodied by the Bruhwiler Kids Classic, now in its second year.  While Tofino hosts a number of surf competitions in fall or what is now known as Tofino Surf Month, this one is strictly for kids from ages 0 to 18.  At the heart of the idea – and organizing crew – are the Bruhwilers, arguably Tofino’s first family of surfing.

Cath Bruhwiler is a national surf champion who has been competing and instructing for over 15 years. She grew up on Chesterman Beach with her 3 brothers, learning to carve waves on a piece of plywood.  Surfing in Tofino has come a long way since then, with hi-tech gear that’s beach-ready even for the tiniest of surfers.  Pro surfer Raphael Bruhwiler has been instructing surf and organizing kids surf camps along with his wife Joey for the past 10 years, leading the charge in making surfing accessible to all ages.   Add in Sepp and Kristin Bruhwiler (who you can find at the Tofino Public Market with event info), Francis and Hannah as well as grandparents Gisele and Vern… and you can see that the Bruhwiler Kids Classic is a labour of love.

Know if you go:

• Pre-register here:  Spaces are limited for the competitive and non-judged “expression” sessions.  That said, this is an open event so all are invited to join in on the fun!

• Pack for your day at the beach.  Bring snacks, water, clothing changes, sunscreen and whatever you may need or want to enjoy your beach day.  Tofino’s beloved Wildside Grill will be on-site with some simple lunch options for a limited time

• Biking (or walking) to the beach is highly encouraged. All participants and spectators who bike to the beach will be entered in a draw for a bicycle surf rack, donated by Live to Surf.

• Location will be announced on the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/brukidsclassic. This will either be Chesterman Beach (North or South) or on Cox Bay Beach.  Stay tuned to our social media feeds for updates, too.

See you at the beach!