Four Jacksonville Beach brothers who grew up competing in the waves are channeling their surfing careers into a cause close to home. Trey, Evan, Cody and Tristan Thompson will host the second annual Thompson Brother Classic at the Jacksonville Beach Pier on Saturday, Aug. 29, with all proceeds benefiting young adults fighting cancer.

The inaugural event last year raised more than $15,000 through entry fees, donations and raffles, with every dollar going to the Live for Today Foundation, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit that helps young adults with cancer through outdoor adventures and peer connection programs. Sunrise Surf Shop, the brothers' longtime sponsor and the event's presenting partner, announced the check presentation on its blog after last year's contest.

The cause is personal for the Thompson family. Trey, the oldest brother, is a two-time brain cancer survivor and an accomplished longboarder.

Two-Heat Format Draws Both Pros and Casual Surfers

The competition's format sets it apart from typical surf contests, according to the Beach Gazette. Every surfer competes in two heats with no elimination rounds, and judges combine each competitor's top two waves from both sessions to determine winners. Last year's champions received trophies and a surprise cash prize. The structure draws both elite competitors and casual surfers looking for friendly competition.

Brothers Bring Decades of Pro Surfing Credentials

The brothers' credentials run deep in North Florida surf culture. Cody won his first WaveMasters contest in 1999 at age 9 in double-overhead conditions before turning pro and traveling with the Billabong team. Evan won five consecutive WaveMasters TacoLu Men's Pro titles, a streak never duplicated. Tristan, the youngest, became known as one of North Florida's premier aerial surfers and won his first TacoLu Men's Pro a couple of years ago. All four were also pro-level skateboarders and motocross riders as kids.

More Than a Dozen Sponsors Back This Year's Event

Spots are filling up, according to the event's Instagram page, which announced in July that sponsors were locked in. More than a dozen local and national sponsors are backing the 2026 event, including Billabong USA, TacoLu Jax Beach, Slider's Oyster Bar, Vuori Clothing and Ricky Carroll Surfboards.

Sunrise Surf Shop, which has operated as a locally owned surf and skate shop since 1976, returns as presenting sponsor.

Residents can enter the contest, become a sponsor, donate or head to the Jacksonville Beach Pier on Aug. 29 to watch.

Coming up at the Beaches:

• Saturday, Aug. 29 — Second annual Thompson Brother Classic, Jacksonville Beach Pier. Benefits the Live for Today Foundation. Registration via link in bio at @thompsonbrotherclassic on Instagram.