Seven Longboard Divisions Completed as the Bunger Family and Long Island Surfing Community Come Together for Another Memorable Competition
The 38th Annual Bunger Surf Classic returned to Gilgo Beach on Saturday, October 3, 2026, bringing together surfers of all ages, longtime friends, families, and members of the Long Island surfing community for another celebration of the sport and the traditions that have made this event special for nearly four decades.
Competition got underway at 8 a.m., with hopes that the surf conditions would hold long enough to complete the entire contest. The morning started on a promising note, with sufficient waves to run the various longboard divisions. However, as the incoming tide and gradually diminishing surf took their toll, conditions became too challenging to proceed with the shortboard competitions.
Despite Mother Nature having other plans, seven longboard divisions were successfully completed, showcasing surfers from the youngest competitors to seasoned veterans. More importantly, the day provided another opportunity to celebrate the friendships, family connections, and shared passion for surfing that have defined the Bunger Surf Classic since its beginning.
More Than a Surf Contest: A Bunger Family Tradition
For the Bunger family, the annual contest represents much more than competition. It is an opportunity to bring generations of Long Island surfers together at Gilgo Beach, a place that has played an important role in the history of Bunger Surf Shop and the local surfing community.
The Bunger Surf family was well represented, with Charlie Bunger Jr., Theresa Bunger, Tommy Bunger, and Susan Bunger all in attendance, enjoying the competition and reconnecting with the many friends and families who have supported the event throughout the years.
"For our family, this contest has always been about much more than who wins or loses," said Charlie Bunger Jr. "It's about getting everyone together at Gilgo, seeing old friends, watching the next generation of surfers come up, and celebrating something that has been such a big part of our lives. After 38 years, it means a lot to our family to keep this tradition going. Even when the waves don't cooperate, the people always make it a great day."
Celebrating the Winners of the 2026
Bunger Surf Classic
While the surf conditions limited the day’s competition to longboard events, the seven completed divisions featured strong participation across multiple age groups.
Congratulations to all the competitors, particularly those who earned podium finishes in their respective divisions.
Official Final Results
Menehune Longboard (13 & Under, Male/Female)
- Maximilian Pickering
- Ryder Jantzen
- Rowan Derrickson
- Atlas Bankewitz
- Preston ONeill
- Addison DeHart
- Isla Bankewitz
Junior Men's Longboard (14–17)
- Graedon Sofield
- Wells Martin
- Travis Mavrokefalos
- Aidan Trainor
- Connor Peters
- Zane Hito
Junior Women's Longboard (14–17)
- Jillian Pepitone
- Greta Minnerop
- Alice Hupfer
Men's Longboard (18–39)
- James Trainor
- Mike Elias Gomez
- Robert Cahn (tie)
- Nicholas Desiderio (tie)
Men's Open Longboard (All Ages)
- Henry Minnerop
- Wells Martin
- Ryder Jantzen
- Rowan Derrickson
- Graedon Sofield
- Travis Mavrokefalos
Women's Open Longboard (All Ages)
- Addison DeHart
- Greta Minnerop
- Jillian Pepitone
- Alice Hupfer
- Sofia Frazzitta (tie)
- Jordan Estreich (tie)
- Tina Fawess
- Chris Holub
Legends & Grand Legends Longboard Combined Division (40–59 and 60+)
- Scott Bitterman
- Michael Nelson (tie)
- Daniel Cahn (tie)
- Doug Lerose (tie)
Congratulations to every surfer who paddled out and participated. From the young Menehune competitors to the Legends and Grand Legends, each division reflected the depth of talent and enthusiasm that continues to make Long Island’s surfing community so special.
Photo Gallery: Celebrating at the Gilgo Beach Inn
Following the competition, surfers, families, and friends gathered at the Gilgo Beach Inn for the awards ceremony. It was an opportunity to recognize the day’s winners, share stories, reconnect with familiar faces, and celebrate another year of the Bunger Surf Classic.
Thank You to the ESA New York District and Our Surfing Community
An event with a history as long as the Bunger Surf Classic depends on the dedication of the people and organizations who help make it happen year after year.
Bunger Surf Shop extends its sincere appreciation to the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) New York District for organizing and running this year’s competition.
A special thank-you goes to Christine Holub, the Bunger Surf Classic contest director, whose dedication, time, and hard work have been instrumental in organizing and running the competition year after year. Her continued commitment plays a vital role in keeping this longstanding surfing tradition alive and bringing the Long Island surfing community together.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Gerry Erb, Dan Cahn and his family, Lorraine Costa, the Tsdavis family, and all the volunteers who generously shared their time and talents. From judging and contest setup to supporting the next generation of surfers, their contributions reflect the strong community spirit behind the Bunger Surf Classic.
We also want to thank every surfer, family member, friend, and supporter who joined us at Gilgo Beach. Whether you were competing, cheering from the beach, or simply stopping by to reconnect with old friends, you helped make this another memorable gathering.
Looking Ahead to the 39th Annual Bunger
Surf Classic
Although this year’s conditions didn’t allow the shortboard divisions to take place, the spirit of the Bunger Surf Classic was as strong as ever.
As we look forward to the 39th Annual Bunger Surf Classic in 2027, we’re hoping for better waves, favorable tides, and the opportunity to run the complete competition. More than anything, we’re hoping for the kind of surf conditions that allow Long Island’s talented surfers to showcase the very best of what our local waters have to offer.
For nearly four decades, the Bunger Surf Classic has brought together generations of surfers who share a connection to Gilgo Beach, the ocean, and the Bunger Surf family.
