UPDATE: The iconic Merimbula Classic is gearing up for its 43rd annual event, taking place from November 27 to 30, 2025, in Merimbula, Australia. This beloved water sports competition promises to be a thrilling celebration of surfing, windsurfing, and other water disciplines, marking decades of transformation in the sport.
The event, founded by Henry Jones and others, has evolved significantly since its inception. Jones, a key figure in the surfing community, reflects on the journey: “Surfing, you get wet. It’s an age-old thing of almost being a baptism. You come out feeling better than when you went in.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the Merimbula Classic, which has become a rite of passage for surfers.
Jones, who grew up near the beaches of Manly, credits his love for surfing to his childhood experiences and the influence of the 1956 Summer Olympics, which introduced Malibu surfboards to Australia. These boards revolutionized the sport, allowing young surfers like Jones to explore the coastline with newfound confidence.
Initially starting as a windsurfing competition, the Merimbula Classic has grown and adapted over the years, now featuring a range of disciplines including wave sailing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). “Things blossom, the perfume spreads around the place, everyone is stoked, and then they are ready for something new,” Jones stated, emphasizing the event’s dynamic nature.
Since its inception in 1981, the Merimbula Classic has garnered attention from sponsors, initially supported by Mambo and now under the sponsorship of Raging Bull Surf. This growth has solidified its status as one of the premier competitions in Australia, attracting participants from around the globe.
The Merimbula Classic not only showcases competitive spirit but also fosters community and camaraderie among water sports enthusiasts. “You’d throw the board on your roof racks and go looking for surf,” Jones reminisced, highlighting the adventurous nature of surfing culture that the event embodies.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming event, surfers and spectators alike are preparing for what promises to be an unforgettable experience on the waves of Merimbula. The combination of tradition and innovation continues to draw crowds and participants eager to celebrate the ocean’s power.
With the Merimbula Classic approaching, all eyes will be on Merimbula as it hosts this monumental celebration of water sports, offering a chance for surfers to showcase their skills and connect with the ocean. Don’t miss out on this thrilling event!
