Orange County, California is one of the most well-known surfing destinations in the world and its competition scene reflects that legacy. From global events like the U.S. Open of Surfing to historic local contests and grassroots club competitions, OC offers a year-round lineup of surf events for pros, amateurs, and rising groms.
Orange County also has some of the west coast’s most loved surf breaks, like the Wedge, Trestles, and the Huntington Beach Pier, making it an ideal destination for competitions.
Whether you’re a spectator, competitor, or just exploring surf culture, here’s a look at Pro Surf Events, Local Contests & Surf Culture in OC.
Major Surf Competitions in Orange County
U.S. Open of Surfing – Huntington Beach
- Held annually at the Huntington Beach Pier
- Usually runs late July – Early August
- Part of the World Surf League (WSL)
- Includes shortboard and longboard divisions
The U.S. Open of Surfing is the largest surf competition in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. This multi-day festival combines elite surfing with live music, skate events, and a massive beachside expo. The US Open was originally known as the West Coast Surfing Championship and began in 1959. Over the years it has also been known as the United States Surfing Championships and the OP Pro.
Brooks Street Surfing Classic – Laguna Beach
- Held annually at Brooks Street Beach, Laguna Beach
- Summer waiting period (runs only when conditions are optimal)
- Open to local competitors only
The Brooks Street Surfing Classic is one of the oldest surf contests in the world, dating back to 1955. Known for its strict “locals only” format, it represents the heart of Laguna Beach surf culture.
Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro – Huntington Beach
- Southside Huntington Beach Pier
- Typically held in April
- Part of the WSL Qualifying Series (QS 4,000)
- Men’s & Women’s divisions
The Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro is a World Surf League Qualifying Series event held annually in Huntington Beach. As a QS 4,000 competition, it offers significant ranking points and serves as an important event for surfers working toward the Challenger Series and ultimately the Championship Tour.
Surf Contest Series & Amateur Competitions
WSA Surf Series (Western Surfing Association)
- OC events often held in Huntington Beach, Dana Point, Newport Beach, San Clemente, and surrounding breaks
- Year-round seasonal events
- All skill levels from groms to advanced amateurs
The Western Surfing Association is the oldest competition surfing association in the United States and one of the most active surf contest circuits in Southern California, providing a competitive pathway for up-and-coming surfers.
Scholastic Surf Series – High School Surfing
- Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, San Clemente, etc.
- Winter through spring
- High school & middle school teams across Orange County
The Scholastic Surf Series is a major part of OC’s surf pipeline, showcasing team-based competition among local high schools. They also have contests for middle school surf teams in Orange County. Contest locations vary.
NSSA Championships (National Scholastic Surfing Association)
- Often held in Huntington Beach, Dana Point, or nearby SoCal breaks
- Multiple events throughout the year
- National-level amateur championship
The National Scholastic Surfing Association hosts prestigious national competitions where many future pros get their start.
USA Surfing Prime Events
- Occasional stops in Huntington Beach, Dana Point, or San Clemente
- Elite junior surfers competing for national ranking
USA Surfing events represent the highest level of amateur competition in the U.S. and is the official ISA recognized national federation for surfing in the USA.
Local Boardriders Clubs & Community Competitions
Huntington Beach Boardriders Club
- Huntington Beach
- Multiple contests throughout the year
The Huntington Beach Boardriders Club hosts highly competitive club events featuring some of the best local and regional surfers.
Newport Beach Boardriders Club
- Newport Beach
- Seasonal contests
The Newport Beach Boardriders Club organizes contests that feed into regional and national boardriders competitions.
The Huntington Beach and Newport Beach Boardriders Clubs are chapters of the larger West Coast Boardriders Club, and there are often local competitions between multiple chapters hosted here in Orange County. There is also a Laguna Beach Surf Club and San Clemente Boardriders Club.
All chapters are part of the United States Boardriders who run team surf competitions with local clubs competing against each other in a unique format.
Specialty & Community Surf Events
Adaptive Surf Competitions
- Huntington Beach
- Inclusive events for surfers with disabilities
Organizations like Life Rolls On host adaptive surf competitions and events that celebrate accessibility and community.
Grom & Youth Surf Contests
- Various OC beaches
- Kids and beginner divisions
These events are often run through WSA, local clubs, or surf shops and are essential to developing the next generation of surfers.
Brand & Surf Shop Competitions
- Huntington Beach, Newport Beach
- Sponsored by local surf brands
Events hosted by brands like Jack’s Surfboards and Hobie Surf Shop help support the local surf community. Huntington Surf & Sport partners with Duke’s and the Community & Library Services Department to host the Annual City Surf Contest at the Huntington Beach Pier.
When Do Surf Competitions Happen in Orange County?
Thanks to the beautiful weather here in Southern California, surf contests are held year round in Orange County.
- Winter–Spring: Scholastic Surf Series, local club contests
- Spring–Summer: WSA events, regional competitions
- Summer: U.S. Open of Surfing, Brooks Street Classic, NSSA Championships
- Year-Round: Boardriders events, grom contests, specialty competitions
Why Orange County Is a Surf Competition Hub
Orange County’s consistent waves, surf history, and deep talent pool make it one of the most important surf regions in the United States. From the world-famous breaks of Huntington Beach to the localized traditions of Laguna Beach, OC blends professional competition with grassroots surf culture like nowhere else.
Huntington Beach earned the nickname “Surf City USA” way back in the 1960s and has held it’s title thanks to consistent waves, deep surf history, and role as a hub for competitive surfing. Centered around the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, the city offers year-round surfable conditions that attract everyone from beginners to pros.
For a dive into surf history and heritage, visit:
- The International Surfing Museum | Huntington Beach
- Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) | San Clemente (Moving to Laguna Beach late 2026)
| Best Surf Spots In Orange County | Surf Lessons & Camps In OC |
| Famous Athletes & Sports Icons From OC | The Wedge: Newport Beach |
