California Surfing Day: Riding the Waves of Culture and Fun

California's coastline is synonymous with surfing. From the legendary breaks of
Malibu to the swells of Huntington Beach, the Golden State has long been
a hub for surf culture. Each year beachgoers celebrate this vibrant
sport with California Surfing Day, an event dedicated to honoring the
rich heritage and exhilarating experiences that surfing brings.

​California Surfing Day is officially observed annually on September 20th. The day was established to pay tribute to the deep-rooted surfing traditions of California. Surfing has played a significant role in shaping coastal communities, fashion, and more. It's a celebration not only of surfing but also of the cultural impact that this sport has had on the state.

Celebrations and Events

California Surfing Day is marked by various events and activities designed to
bring the surfing community together. Here are some popular ways to
celebrate:

Beach Clean-Ups: Many surf communities organize beach clean-ups to promote environmental stewardship. These events not only help preserve the natural beauty of the coastline but also foster a sense of unity among surfers.

Surfboard Art Exhibitions: Creative surfboard art is a staple of California’s surf culture. On Surfing Day, many galleries and surf shops host exhibitions showcasing
custom-painted boards and surf-themed artwork.

Surfing Clinics:
For those new to the sport, Surfing Day is a perfect opportunity to take a clinic or lesson. Many surf schools offer special discounts or free introductory sessions on this day.

Music and Food Festivals:
The surfing lifestyle is often intertwined with music and food. Beachside festivals featuring live bands, food trucks, and local vendors offer a festive atmosphere to celebrate.

Surfing Competitions to enjoy

Of course, California Surfing Day has to include a variety of unique surfing competitions. Here are just a few of the events that are scheduled this year.

Solento Surf Festival, Encinitas – Going from Sept 14–21 is a weeklong celebration featuring surf contests, DJ sets, live music, and panels with athletes and creatives.

 Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro, Oceanside–Taking place on both Sept 20–22 is the world's largest women’s surf event with top female surfers, concerts by artists like Bishop Briggs, and an adaptive surfing
exhibition.

Newport Beach Surf Championships– Competitive surfing is taking place on Sept 21–22 between 54th and 56th streets, with nine different divisions to compete for prizes. Whether you're eleven years old or over fifty years old, there is a division for you to compete at this event.

OMBAC Classic Longboard Contest, San Diego – This surfing contest is taking place on Sept 21st and is an opportunity for surfers using longboards from 1969 or earlier. This opportunity for surfers and their vintage surfboards is a fun, nostalgic event for everyone to enjoy.

Right of Wave Ocean Safety Day, Pacifica
– This event takes place on Sept 22nd and is a free day of workshops and activities that will empower you to safely navigate the ocean, improve your surfing and
watersports abilities, and build connections in the community.

Crescent City Classic, Crescent City – On Sept 28th through 29th a surfing festival will be at the Harbor over looking the surfing competition at South Beach. There will be vendors, a beer garden and live music each day located at the Harbor overlooking South Beach.

Don't miss out on California Surfing Day

California Surfing Day is more than just a day at the beach; it’s an opportunity
to immerse yourself in surf culture. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or
just looking to experience the excitement, there’s something for
everyone. The sport of surfing embodies a unique blend of athleticism,
artistry, and a deep connection to nature.

To help you make the most of your time on the waves, you can book a coaching lesson with a surfing expert here on TeachMe.To. Our surfing coaches have given 340+ surfing lessons over the last 2 years. Here are the cities where the most lessons take place. 

If you don't love your first lesson, we'll switch you to another coach or give you a full refund. So, grab your board, hit the waves, and join in the celebration of California Surfing Day.