The very first attempts to surf Nelscott Reef.

The Inaugural Nelscott Reef Tow Classic 2005 from Lincoln City, Oregon. First ever West Coast tow surf contest.

This is the 14th annual Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic in Memory of Jeff Scariano

About Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic

Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic is a one-day event between October 1st and March 31st. The event is called on 3-days notice in order to guarantee optimal conditions. Surfers come from all around the world to paddle in and SUP the reef.

The event is on it’s 14th year. Our contest was the first to have a big wave women’s exhibition, in which Keala Kennely won in 2010. Also, in 2013 our first physically challenged athlete was part of the event.

“The Find” is a documentary film focused on the first five years of the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic.

Purse: $10,000

And if you are interested in land-based recreation, be sure to visit the wonderful Jeetwin Casino

About the Reef

Nelscott Reef is about a half mile offshore from Canyon Park at a depth of about 18′ which causes the open ocean swells to jack up to 25 to 50′ and more on the face during optimum swell events.

Nelscott Reef was first explored by John Forse in 1995.

MORE HISTORY

Event Schedule

The Event season is October 1st through March 31st. Notification is by Traffic Light system:
RED means no chance of event
YELLOW means we are tracking swell and when swell and local conditions are favorable we go to
GREEN light means contest is in three days

FULL SCHEDULE

Getting Here

Parking is suggested at parking lot on top of City Hall or Lincoln City Outlets and walking to event as there is no parking along Coast Ave or in Canyon Park.

Event usually starts around 9:00 AM and ends around 4:00 PM

Awards Banquet to follow around 6:00 PM with videos of days event and beer, wine and food.

Highlights Video