ABOUT US
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.
More than just a surfing competition, the Barney Miller Surf Classic is a vibrant celebration of community spirit, great surf, and shared experiences. Each year, it brings together locals, surfers, and supporters for a weekend of unforgettable events, raising funds for someone in the Coffs Coast community who has also experienced a debilitating injury.
25 years on, the event has raised more than $500,000 for people living with a spinal cord or life-changing injury.
The 2025 event lineup promises something for everyone:
Barnyard Hoedown
Featuring Tallowood Bush Band at Sawtell RSL
22 March
Movie Night
Sawtell Cinema
20 March
Surfing Competition
Sawtell Beach
21-23 March
The event is made possible by the Sawtell community and surrounding businesses, and the generosity of our sponsors.
In 2025, we are aiming to raise $50,000 to support Mike’s journey to recovery.
Read more about the 2025 fundraising beneficiary, Mike Thorncroft.
History of the competition
Since inception, the Barney Miller Classic has raised more than $500,000 for people who have suffered from a debilitating injury.
Previous beneficiaries of the Barney Miller Classic fundraising efforts have included:
2024
2023
In 2022 Wato was diangised with stage 4 kidney cancer, throwing his family into emotional and financial turmoil. For more than 35 years, Wato and his family have been an integral part of the Coffs Harbour boardriders club, and naturally a part of the greatet Coffs Coast surfing community. The Barney Miller Surf Classic fundraising appeal generated $52,400 to support Ian and Rach Watson on their journey.
2022
2021
Previous beneficiaries of the Barney Miller Classic fundraising efforts have included:
2024
In 2002, Minnie Waters local Tamsyn (aged 17) was in a life-changing motor vehicle accident, in which she was ejected from the car, resulting in severe spinal cord injury and brain injury. One of six children, her parents became full time carers during her treatment, living rough to be near treatments at the Gold Coast and later, Sydney.
$8180.63 was raised in the 2024 Barney Miller Classic to support Tamsyn and her family.
2023
In 2022 Wato was diangised with stage 4 kidney cancer, throwing his family into emotional and financial turmoil. For more than 35 years, Wato and his family have been an integral part of the Coffs Harbour boardriders club, and naturally a part of the greatet Coffs Coast surfing community. The Barney Miller Surf Classic fundraising appeal generated $52,400 to support Ian and Rach Watson on their journey.
2022
2021
