Community Spirit at Josiah’S Bay Surf Classic

The Josiah’s Bay Surf Classic competition is a highly anticipated fixture of the BVI calendar of events and a day not to be missed. Traditionally held a couple of weeks before the start of the Easter holidays (a Christmas edition also takes place) this competition has been the highlight of the surfing calendar since the first event in 2018.

Taking place on Saturday 29 March 2025, this year’s Easter Surf Classic competition promises to be a day filled with fun and good vibes for the entire family. It is a full day of heats for each age category and culminates in the finals and a prize and trophy giving ceremony. With a start time of 9am the event will run all day until 6pm (or until everyone has finished). Bring some shade and your beach chairs and settle in for the day to cheer on your favourite competitors.

In the Men’s Competition the age categories include Under 11s, 12-17 years, 18-39, 40+ and 55+. The Women’s Competition consists of Under 17s and 18+ categories. Pre-registration is highly recommended and the cost is $30 per entrant, which includes a Surf School shirt.

Newbies to surfing are welcomed to compete alongside the experienced surfers. This competition knows no age limits and last year’s event saw the youngest ever entrant at 6 years old and others ranging upwards to 76 years young. MC Al Broderick keeps the day running smoothly with lively commentary and music throughout.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase on the day. The Surf School collaborates with select vendors from the local community who set up their stalls to sell local food, drinks, arts and crafts so that they can make a little money for themselves or for charity – giving the event a mini-festival feel.

Demonstrating the Surf School’s strong commitment to the community, the event is run solely with volunteers and aims to cover its costs but not to turn a profit. The prizes and trophies are donated every year by local Tortola business Arawak Boutiques & Interiors. “All walks of life show up. Really it’s just a good vibe. Everyone is having fun and that’s how we want to keep it” says event organiser and Surf School BVI proprietor Steve Howes. When you are at the Surf School you really are part of the family.

The competition was originally created for resident BVI surfers but in recent years it has grabbed the attention of visitors from the US Virgin Islands and as far afield as the mainland US. The local surfers are always glad to have new contenders to compete against which inevitably raises the standard of the competition and gives the regulars a fresh challenge.

Instagram and flyers posted strategically around the island promote the competition each year, but word-of-mouth is always the most successful channel for informing the community of the upcoming event.

However, it is not just the Surf Classic that draws visitors to Josiah’s Bay. This pristine sandy beach enjoys the best swells traditionally from around Thanksgiving time until Easter. Boogie boards along with long and short surfboards are available to rent year-round, by the hour or by the week.

Surfing lessons are always available when there is a swell and make for a fantastic opportunity to create special memories whilst on vacation. Private lessons for individuals or groups can be arranged, advance booking is encouraged. After school surf clubs run during school term time and the Surf School encourages the older students to get involved and help teach the younger students – another example of Steve and his team’s dedication to giving back to the community.

Looking for something different for your next birthday party or celebration? Parties and movie nights can be arranged by special request. Contact Steve for more details.