25th annual Kiwanda Longboard Classic draws thousands to Pacific City

Throngs of spectators descended on Pacific City on September 21 and 22, to watch competitors take to the ocean for the 25th annual Kiwanda Longboard Classic.

Over the two days, 236 competitors participated in the event, wowing the crowds with their surfing acumen and deft footwork.

The competition was started in 1999 by Bob and Michelle Ledbetter who owned a small surf shop in Pacific City and wanted to bring the surfing community from around the pacific northwest together for a fun event.

In recent years, the classic included fundraising efforts that supported the construction of a community skate park, which was completed in 2023. This year’s goal was to run a great community surfing event that broke even, according to Lisa Macy-Baker from Moment Surf Company, who said that the event had met its target.