Surfing is definitely one of the most fun sporting events to watch. It’s incredibly visual, so even if you don’t quite understand all the rules and regulations, you can still participate in the cheering and the “oohs and ahhs” with the rest of the crowd. Also, you are on the beach! There is no crowded sports arena. There is only a great view of the sea. Furthermore, since competitions are held on a beach, access to the matches usually is entirely free! 

We have recommended some surf competitions along Southern California, big and small, to check out with your friends or family. 

Before you get ready for your surf day extravaganza, there are some things you should know. Firstly, Surf Competitions start very early. You can expect competitions to begin as early as 6 am. However, there is no need to fear because you don’t have to get there at the start. You can show up whenever you please, but just keep in mind that more popular competitions may fill up pretty fast! The second is what to bring. Make sure to bring towels to sit on if the competition doesn’t have bleachers. If you get sunburn easily, along with sunscreen, consider a sun umbrella. Lastly, pack a cooler full of beverages and some snacks so you don’t have to pay for overpriced water at the concession stand.  

2021 ISF Surfing Championships– July 31st 

First up is the International Surf Festival Surfing competition. This specific competition began in 1962, meaning that this event has been dishing up some great competition for almost 60 years! Starting at 8 am, the ISF will be held on the south side of Hermosa Beach Pier. As a premier surfing location in the Los Angeles area, you can expect some great competitions and events from Men’s and Women’s short and longboard. Specifically, keep an eye out for Christian Stutzman in the Men’s Long Board! For the women, you can expect Morgan Sliff to do some great things out on the waves.

The event ends at 1 pm, so we recommend that you get here on the earlier side to grab a seat and enjoy the relatively short day of surfing.   

Vans US Open of Surfing – World Surf League– September 21st-26th 

Next up is the Vans US Open. You may notice that this competition is held a bit later than the previous one, and you may be wondering why a typical summer sport is being held in the fall. This is due to the pandemic. However, Since the Vans tournament could not happen in 2020, you can expect people to go all out this year, including the spectators and surfers.   

At both tournaments, you will see some great surfers. However, if you want to see a more advanced level of surfing, we recommend you come to the Vans Us Open. 

The Vans US Open is held at Huntington Beach, which is a very popular surfing location. It also happens to be the largest surfing competition in the world! As you watch from the bleachers, you will hear the name Kanoa Igarashi called quite often. He won back-to-back men’s events in 2017 and 2018, so make sure you get to catch him doing his thing! You will also hear the name Courtney Conlogue, who happens to be an LA native. Conolougu is also a two-time champion of this tournament.

36th Annual Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club Contest and Beach Festival–August 7th-8th

The last on the list is a bit further out than the rest of the tournaments. This Oceanside surf competition is located in San Diego, California. We recommend leaving early to avoid traffic and to catch the beginnings of the competition. Here you will see a lot more than just shredding waves, and you will be able to listen to live music and get food from many local vendors! This particular event goes late into the night, making it a full day of surfing and fun!

Written by Jada Gritton