About the Classic
The Barney Miller Surf Classic, now celebrating its 25th year, was established in 1999 as a fundraising event by Joel ‘Tubby’ Bath. The event was initially conceived to raise money to support Sawtell local and adaptive surfing champion Barney Miller, after Barney developed a debilitating spinal cord injury, restricting him to a wheelchair. What began as a tribute to Barney’s resilience and love for surfing has grown into a cornerstone event for the Coffs Harbour community and the broader Australian surfing scene.
2026 Beneficiary
After a traumatic surfing incident at D-bah on June 18th 2024, Johnny, 31 at the time, suffered 3 broken ribs, a punctured lung, broken and dislocated T10/11 vertebrae and most devastatingly, severe damage to his spinal cord which has left him with paralysis from the waist down.
The reason we see Johnny as the perfect recipient is because the distress hasnt stopped there, after 6 months in hospital, Johnny was discharged finding himself in a grey area of ineligibility for care and support from the government, that has meant self funding all medical and equipment expenses that come with a spinal cord injury.
25 years on, the event has raised more than $500,000 for people living with a spinal cord or life-changing injury.
The 2026 event lineup promises something for everyone:
Barnyard Hoedown
Featuring Kada & The Goldies at Sawtell RSL
13 March
Movie Night
Sawtell Cinema
12 March
Surfing Competition
Sawtell Beach
13-15 March
On The Lounge with Barney
Sawtell Surf Club
14 March
The event is made possible by the Sawtell community and surrounding businesses, and the generosity of our sponsors.
