7 Surf Competitions in California to Watch

California’s surf culture runs deep, and some of the sport’s most exciting competitions take place along its coastline. From legendary breaks to community-driven events, these contests bring together pros, up-and-comers, and plenty of wave-loving fans.

If you’re planning a visit or just want to know when the beaches come alive with surfboards and cheering crowds, here are seven surf competitions worth keeping on your radar.

1. U.S. Open of Surfing (Huntington Beach)

Every summer, Huntington Beach transforms into the epicenter of the surfing universe. The U.S. Open of Surfing isn’t just a contest, it’s an experience. I remember feeling a buzz in the air as crowds lined the pier, hoping to catch a glimpse of world-class talent up close.

Athletes from all over the globe compete here, but there’s just as much action on the sand. Vendors, live music, and impromptu autograph sessions keep the atmosphere lively. Even if you’re not obsessed with surfing, you’ll find plenty to love, from art installations to delicious local food.

What stands out most to me is the inclusive vibe. You’ll see young skaters, families, and die-hard surf fans alike, all sharing in the excitement. It’s California’s signature event, both a sporting spectacle and a celebration of surf culture.

2. Surf Ranch Pro (Lemoore, Central California)

Surfing may be rooted in the ocean, but California also hosts one of the sport’s most innovative competitions far from the coast. The Surf Ranch Pro takes place at Kelly Slater’s famous wave pool in Lemoore, where technology generates flawless, barreling waves on demand. Watching here feels different: no waiting for sets, no unpredictable lulls, just perfect waves, one after another.

Fans line the lagoon’s edge to cheer as top WSL athletes compete in an environment that blends surfing’s artistry with precision engineering. The controlled conditions mean every heat is stacked with highlight-worthy rides. I like how this event challenges the idea of what surf competition can be, showing how the sport continues to evolve while still celebrating style, speed, and creativity.

It’s inland, but the atmosphere is as electric as the coast. If you want to see surfing’s future, the Surf Ranch Pro is the place to be.

3. The Boardroom International Surfboard Show & Surf Contest (Del Mar)

Stepping into The Boardroom Show in Del Mar feels like wandering through a living museum of surf culture. Here, surfboard shapers work their magic in real time, wood shavings flying, ideas exchanged, and craftsmanship on full display. It’s an event for anyone curious about the art behind the sport, not just the action in the water.

The contest adds a competitive edge, but people linger just as long at the shaper booths or admiring the classic board collection. I’ve learned more talking to local artisans than at any other surf event. There’s a festival vibe, with music, food trucks, and families soaking up the scene.

If you ever wanted to understand what makes a surfboard special, this is the place. It’s a celebration of design, history, and creativity, and it always leaves me inspired to try something new when I paddle out next.

4. O’Neill Coldwater Classic (Santa Cruz)

If you ask around Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane is hallowed ground, especially when the O’Neill Coldwater Classic comes to town. The water here rarely gets warm, but that only adds to the challenge. I’ve watched surfers wrestle powerful sets, sometimes in thick fog, and it’s easy to see why the contest has a dedicated following.

Locals treat the event like a holiday, school groups field trip to the cliffs, and old-timers swap stories about classic sessions. The competition is fierce, but there’s a sense of camaraderie you don’t see everywhere. Each heat draws cheers, no matter who’s ahead.

What sticks with me is how the athletes embrace the wild conditions. They thrive on unpredictability, and fans respect the grit it takes to perform here. The Coldwater Classic isn’t glamorous, but it’s as real as surfing gets in California.

5. Noll Longboard Classic (San Diego, Pacific Beach)

Longboarding competitions carry their own rhythm, and the Noll Longboard Classic in Pacific Beach feels almost like a backyard get-together. Surfers here focus on smooth footwork, classic cross-stepping, and style rather than high-flying maneuvers. It’s a visual throwback, with plenty of vintage boards on display and a strong sense of heritage.

The event welcomes all ages, and you’ll see families picnicking as the heats roll on. For me, it captures the essence of what drew people to California surfing in the first place, laid-back, welcoming, and rooted in tradition. There’s always laughter onshore, whether someone nails a perfect noseride or wipes out with a grin.

This contest doesn’t try to impress with big crowds or flashy sponsors. Instead, it lets the easygoing spirit of surf culture shine. If you want to see skill, poise, and pure fun, the Noll Longboard Classic is a must.

6. Surf City Surf Dog Competition (Huntington Beach)

Not your typical surf contest, the Surf City Surf Dog Competition in Huntington Beach is one of the quirkiest and most endearing events on California’s surf calendar. Instead of pro athletes, the stars here are dogs of every size, from tiny Chihuahuas to hefty Labradors, balancing on surfboards with surprising poise.

Owners often paddle out alongside their pups, giving gentle encouragement as the dogs catch waves and, in many cases, ride them better than expected. The atmosphere is lighthearted and packed with laughter, cheers, and plenty of wagging tails.

Spectators crowd the sand not just to watch but to celebrate the bond between people and their pets. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved annual tradition that highlights the playful, inclusive side of surf culture. It’s proof that surfing in California isn’t just about competition, it’s about joy, community, and creativity.

7. California Surf Festival (Oceanside)

To round out the list, I recommend adding the California Surf Festival, held each fall in Oceanside. This event blends surf culture, film, art, and live music with exhibitions of world-class surfing. It’s less about crowning champions and more about celebrating the lifestyle, but the competitions and demonstrations on the water give it plenty of action.

I love how the festival feels both international and homegrown, one moment you’re watching a surf documentary premiere, the next you’re at the pier watching surfers carve waves under a golden sunset. Locals turn out in force, and the sense of community makes it stand out from purely competitive events.

If you want the full spectrum of what surf means in California, sport, art, and culture all together, the California Surf Festival is a perfect fit.