California is preparing to celebrate its official state sport with a series of events for California Surfing Day, held annually on September 20. The state’s 840 miles of coastline offer a range of surfing opportunities, from challenging waves at Mavericks near Half Moon Bay to beginner-friendly spots like Lower Trestles by San Onofre State Beach.
September was chosen for California Surfing Day because it typically brings sunny weather and warm water along the coast. The celebration encourages both surfers and beachgoers to participate in activities or enjoy the local surf culture. Notable viewing locations include Malibu and Santa Cruz, which are recognized as World Surfing Reserves.
Several hotels highlight their connection to surfing. The Surfrider in Malibu features a camera monitoring First Point Malibu’s conditions and offers guests access to boards and lessons. Nomads Hotel in San Clemente provides room-and-surfing packages, while Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point is within walking distance of Doheny State Beach.
Events begin on September 5 with the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships in Oceanside, where athletes compete in nine divisions including wave skiing and prone surfing for those with disabilities. On September 6–14, the Lexus WSL Finals will take place at Lower Trestles near San Clemente, featuring top-ranked male and female surfers.
The Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon happens on September 8 at Del Mar Dog Beach, where dogs compete for honors based on their surfing ability and creativity, including costumes and tricks.
On September 13, Avila Beach hosts the Surfing for Hope Memorial Paddle-Out to honor those lost to cancer. A related event—the Surfing for Hope Longboard Classic—will be held November 15–17 in Pismo Beach as part of the World Surf League qualifying series.
September 14 marks A Great Day in the Stoke at Huntington Beach, an event celebrating Black surfers that includes contests, free lessons, fitness activities, and welcomes all BIPOC communities and allies.
Ventura’s Surfer’s Point will hold a Western Surfing Association Championship Tour event from September 14–15 with divisions ranging from young children to adults over 50 years old.
Encinitas will host the Solento Surf Festival from September 14–21. The festival features surf contests, music performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, and panel discussions with athletes and creatives.
From September 20–22 in Oceanside, more than sixty professional female surfers will compete at the Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro. The event also includes an adaptive surfing exhibition and pro-am longboard competition alongside concerts by artists such as Bishop Briggs and CeeLo Green.
Other notable events include:
– City of Newport Beach Surf Championships (September 21–22), open to amateur competitors.
– OMBAC Classic Longboard Contest (September 21) in San Diego requiring vintage boards.
– Right of Wave Ocean Safety & Surf Awareness Day (September 22) in Pacifica offering safety workshops.
– Crescent City Classic Longboard Competition & Festival (September 28–29) featuring free participation for kids.
– Night Swim at Palm Springs Surf Club every Saturday during September offers wave pool sessions suitable for all skill levels.
These events reflect California’s ongoing commitment to its surfing heritage through community gatherings across the state.
