Surf contests

Old time San Onofre surf contest. Nobody paying too much attention,
which is as it should be. Note shack. Leroy Grannis photo.

Surfing contests have been a part of the culture since the ancient Hawaiians gambled fortunes on the ability of a chief to paddle through the break to the outside, catch the biggest wave and ride it back to the exact spot where he left shore. On the big island this was often a tiny patch of sand at the head of a narrow lava fissure. Shame and board destruction were the penalty for failure to hit the mark.
Contests have always been fun, and unless you gamble on them, not too distracting from daily beach life. Amateur means for the love of it, not that you are unskilled, and that is the way to approach all contests.

	Contest director Henry Ford has been a top surfer since the 50’s. Henry says that the stoke, camaraderie and mutual support of the women longboarders is so much like the surfing vibe of his youth, it inspired him to work with these dedicated surfergirls.
This mix of amateur and pro contests focuses on the spirit of surfing as a way of life, rather than a way to make a living. Competition is tough but back on the beach there are way more smiles than winners. These get togethers are worth attending both for the quality of surfing and for the good-time ocean-loving party they inspire.

If you have an event to publicize, this is the page to do it. Send to TheSurfersParty

cutback | next section | float to party