The 23rd Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic is set to return to Flagler Beach from November 14-16, 2025. This long-standing event honors the memory of local surfer Tommy Tant, who passed away in 1998. What began as a community’s response to loss has blossomed into one of the East Coast’s most cherished surf traditions, celebrating friendship, family, and community spirit while supporting important causes.
Key Takeaways
- The 23rd Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic will take place from November 14-16, 2025, in Flagler Beach.
- The event honors Tommy Tant, a local surfer who died in 1998, and has become a significant East Coast surf tradition.
- It features 19 divisions for all ages and skill levels, with professional divisions competing for a $12,000 prize purse.
- Proceeds benefit local scholarships, food banks, and The Marfan Foundation, having raised over $200,000 since its inception.
- The weekend includes a kickoff party, the main surf competition, raffles, a kids’ craft area, and a memorial paddle-out.
A Legacy of Waves and Community
The Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic began in 1999 as a way for the community to remember Tommy Tant. Over the years, it has grown into a premier event on the East Coast, attracting professional and amateur surfers alike. More than just a competition, the classic embodies the spirit of resilience and the power of community connections.
Competition and Festivities
This year’s event will host 19 divisions, catering to surfers of all ages and abilities. The professional men’s and women’s divisions will vie for a substantial $12,000 prize purse. Beyond the thrilling surf action, attendees can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere with various activities.
A significant highlight is the expansive raffle, offering a chance to win an array of surf gear, travel packages, and unique items donated by sponsors and artisans. For families, a dedicated kids’ craft area provides entertainment, ensuring a fun-filled weekend for everyone.
Fundraising for a Cause
Since its establishment, the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic has been a vital fundraising platform. The event has successfully raised over $200,000, with proceeds directed towards local scholarships, food banks, and The Marfan Foundation, which supports research into connective tissue disorders. This commitment to giving back underscores the event’s deep connection to the community and its values.
Event Schedule Highlights
The weekend kicks off on Friday, November 14, with a special opening night party at The Golden Lion Café. This event will feature live and silent auctions with exciting prizes, including a surf trip to Nicaragua and a golf getaway. It’s also an opportunity to hear about the organization’s future plans.
The main surf competition will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 15-16, south of the Flagler Beach Pier. The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony on Sunday evening. A poignant memorial paddle-out will also take place on Sunday afternoon, honoring loved ones and the spirit of the event.
Sources
- 23rd annual Tommy Tant Surf Classic returns Nov. 14-16 | Observer Local News, Observer Local News.
- 23rd Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic Returns to Flagler Beach November 14–16, 2025, Flagler News Weekly.
