Surf Archives - Visit Oceanside

Surftember in Oceanside

Veronica Voorhees — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:07:02 +0000

surftember in oceanside

This Season of Swellness, September is “Surftember”—a month-long celebration of surf culture, art, and community.

With consistent swells and premier surf competitions, Oceanside comes alive in September. This year, the excitement builds with Oceanside’s starring role in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Olympic Games – Trestles, the official surfing venue for LA 2028, sits just 20 miles north. Celebrate California Surfing Day (Sept 20) with Super Girl Surf Pro, the world’s largest women’s surf and lifestyle festival, plus the launch of a dual-museum exhibit, Surf Art: Exploring California’s Coastal Culture. Score a limited-edition Surfing Day tee featuring art by Angie Samblotte – proceeds support the California Surf Museum.

surf art exhibit

California Surfing Day is extra special this September thanks to Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) and The California Surf Museum (CSM) teaming up to present Surf Art: Exploring California’s Coastal Culture, a landmark two-part exhibition celebrating Southern California’s surf-inspired art. Opening in September and running through February 1, 2026, the exhibit features works from more than 30 regional artists. Surf Art explores the creative expressions born from the surf lifestyle, showcasing painting, sculpture, resin works, surfboards, murals, textiles, and more. It’s a dynamic, unified look at how surf culture has shaped both personal artistic expression and California’s broader cultural identity.

drop into these events

U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships

This annual September/October competition was launched in O’side in 2017 to showcase the country’s most talented competitors and raise awareness about universal beach access and the rehabilitative benefits of adapted water sports.

Super Girl Surf Pro

North America’s largest female surf contest returns to Oceanside — coinciding with California Surfing Day — September 19-21. The festival’s surf village is a hub of female empowerment, featuring thrilling competitions, free classes and concerts, and a vibrant atmosphere.

WEAR THE STOKE

Surf fans can show their love of California’s surf heritage by wearing their support. Original artwork from featured Surf Art Exhibit artist Angie Samblotte was chosen to adorn Visit Oceanside’s official, limited edition, collectible CA Surfing Day T-shirt which proceeds go towards the California Surf Museum & its mission to preserve and share surf history. Angie is a Southern California native whose vibrant designs capture the magic of coastal life. Known for blending her love of surfing, daydreaming, and the natural world, Angie’s art has graced surfboards, canvas, greeting cards, and more. This will be available for purchase through California Welcome Center Oceanside in September 2025 but is available for presale HERE.

learn to rip

Ride the September swell! With consistent waves and laid-back local instructors, there’s no better time to learn to surf on your Oceanside getaway.

California Kahuna

San Diego Surf

Mark’s Surf Instruction

Learn To Surf With Heather Pine

Surf Ride Surf School

Oceanside Surf School

Whitlock Surf Experience

North County Surf Academy

Learn To Rip Surf Instruction

Surf ‘N’ Fire

celebrate our surf culture

Join O’side O’lympian Caity Simmers, California Surf Museum President and writer of Big Wave: Guardians Jim Kempton and USA Surfing Professional Surf Coach John Daniels on a celebration of surfing in Oceanside.

stay swell

Save 15% At Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort

Save up to 15% off your stay of two or more nights at Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort. Promo code: AFFIL.

Save 15% At Best Western Oceanside Inn

Save 15% off regular rates at Best Western Oceanside Inn when booking online using this special link.

Save 10% at Blue Skies a Private Mini-Resort

Enjoy a 10% discount with code: visitoceanside Escape from your everyday life to this dreamy Southern California oasis designed for family getaways, group vacations or creative retreats.

Save 10% At Super 8 by Wyndham

Enjoy 10% off bookings at Super 8 by Wyndham Oceanside Downtown.

Save 20% At Springhill Suites by Marriott Oceanside Beach

Guests are invited to take advantage of a 20% savings off of regular rates at SpringHill Suites Oceanside Beach when they book online at the special link.

$100 Dining Credit At The Brick Hotel

Book a 2-night stay via The Brick Hotel website and use code BRICK100 to receive a $100 gift card, valid at both on-site restaurants Cococabana and The Lobby Tiki Bar. PLUS COMPLIMENTARY: welcome drinks, morning coffee at Succulent Coffee, fitness offerings – including yoga on the rooftop and a F45 class at F45’s Oceanside Pier location. Valid for NEW reservations only. Cannot be applied retroactively to existing bookings. Can not be combined with other promotions.

The post Surftember in Oceanside appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

A Ride Through O’side Surf History

Andrew Sumichan — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

A Ride Through O’side Surf History

Surfing culture is vibrant and alive in O’side! The history surrounding the sport’s lifestyle and uniqueness is spotlighted at none other than Oceanside’s California Surf Museum (CSM)! Since 1986, CSM has worked to preserve iconic surf memorabilia for visitors and locals alike to experience the joy, skill, culture, technique and entertainment of surfing, water sports and the ocean firsthand. The museum hosts rotating exhibits in addition to its signature historical timeline of surfboards, Bethany Hamilton’s shark-bitten surfboard, the new Science of Surfing exhibition and MORE! While the exhibits explore the global influences that contributed to the sport of surfing, the museum also highlights local Oceanside surf stories and athletes. Get a taste of the historic O’side surf scene with the epic throwback photos below archived by CSM Staff Historian Jane Schmauss.

California Surf Museum’s newest exhibit “The Science of Surfing” is an eye-opening fun and informative addition to the museum that explores the many surprising connections between science and the advancement of modern surfing.

This entertaining and educational display highlights wave energy, tides, types of surf breaks and conditions as well as custodianship of our oceans, which is explained through a series of charts, diagrams, photographs, art, and the use of video monitors. By blending history and science, the display covers a wide variety of information designed to engage all visitors, regardless of their familiarity with surfing.

“While modern science is forever looking for explanations of what goes on in the natural world, modern day surfers have been at the ready to apply this knowledge where they can in advancing in the art of riding waves,” says CSM President Jim Kempton.

Surf Highlights

Phil Edwards, who became the world’s first professional surfer in the late 1960s, was raised in Oceanside and honed his considerable skills on the local beaches. In 1999 Surfer magazine featured him as one of the “25 Most Influential Surfers of the Century.” At thirteen Phil was part of the brand-new junior lifeguards program, and by age eighteen he was making and selling balsa wood surfboards out of his garage. His superb craftsmanship also extended to designing and building catamarans with a successful career with brand Hobie!

Robert Lee “Black Mac” McClendon was a San Diego local who shaped his first boards with balsa wood and eventually progressed to foam and fiberglass. His family is pictured along the Oceanside shoreline with Pacific Street in the background! Today, when you visit Oceanside beaches, Pacific Street is still an iconic coastal stretch you’ll often find surfers snagging a parking spot on before they head down to catch a wave! Even with decades gone by, the convenience, breaks and weather continue to attract phenomenal surfers and their families to Oceanside.

Having a surf shack on the beach was a hot idea in the late-1950s, and a group of teens decided to call themselves the Oceanside Surf Club. Overnight they constructed a wood-and-bamboo structure that would provide shade from the summer sun, support their sturdy longboards, and create a “clubhouse” vibe. Local authorities, however, ruled that the hut was a liability on city property, and it had to be torn down. Today the Oceanside Longboard Club maintains the surf club tradition and is an active participant in numerous community events.

Surf Contest History

Oceanside Longboard Contest

With waves shaped in part by its classic Pier on the Strand and by twin jetties at the Harbor, Oceanside has long been one of the top surf contest venues in Southern California. In the early 1980s the community-oriented Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club was formed and began a tradition that celebrated its 38th annual competition this summer. Save the Date for August 8-10th when many of the world’s top longboarding men and women competed for trophies and enjoyed the family-friendly, two-day festivity at the Pier.

World Bodysurfing Contest

Bodysurfers are a different breed. Give them a pair of swim fins and room to catch a wave, and they’re happy as, well…seals and dolphins. Bodysurfing is one of the oldest, simplest, most playful water sports on the planet, no doubt inspired by watching our distant-cousin mammals frolic in the surf. In August, Oceanside will host the 48th annual World Bodysurfing Contest, bringing in over 300 top athletes to compete for titles and prizes in their respective categories.

Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro

A crowd-packed, action-filled event held for several years at the iconic Pier, the SuperGirl Pro Series was launched in 2007 to showcase the top talent in women’s action sports. It’s a true celebration of female strength and camaraderie, bringing together many of the sport’s established and rising stars in a team-based format. In 2020, Team California, featuring Lakey Peterson and Oceanside’s own Caity Simmers, secured the title in near-perfect surf conditions, and Caity, at age 14, became the youngest SuperGirl in the event’s colorful history. Watch these Super Girls in action September, 2025.

U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championship

Surfing is not an easy sport – right? It lifts you up, knocks you down, but you get back up and do it all over again. Now add a physical impairment or disability and there are multiple challenges to overcome. Adaptive surfers meet these challenges head-on and are an inspiration to all. They won’t be held back. Catch these US Open pros on the waves September 4-7, 2025.

Special thanks to the California Surf Museum and CSM Staff Historian Jane Schmauss for providing the photos and stories featured in this blog!

The post A Ride Through O’side Surf History appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Fun Summer Beach Events in Oceanside

Andrew Sumichan — Mon, 13 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Fun Summer Beach Events in Oceanside

Summer is nearly upon us, and we can’t wait to celebrate the big blue skies and perfect beach weather with some fun activities and events throughout the 2019 Summer calendar. Ranging from surfing championships to Independence Day events, endurance races to cultural celebrations and more, the event calendar is full of hot activities that will have you begging to spend another day in Oceanside!

Below are just a few highlights selected from our Event Calendar for the upcoming summer months. Be sure to check the full calendar often before planning your next trip to Oceanside!

Moonlight Paddle at the Harbor

What: The City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation Division is offering an exciting program called “Moonlight Paddle,” where you will get the chance to enjoy the beauty and romance of Oceanside’s Harbor under the moonlight! A short informational skills session will take place at the Oceanside Outdoor Aquatic Recreation Building (across from the Small Fishing Pier at the Oceanside Harbor) prior to launching the Kayaks. Please bring a change of clothes, as your clothing may get wet while paddling. The Recreation Division will be providing all the supplies needed. Pre-registration is required, to register please visit Oceanside Rec, or call (760) 435-5041.

When:

Friday, May 17, 2019, 7:15pm-9:15pm
Saturday, May 18, 2019, 7:15pm-9:15pm
Friday, June 14, 2019, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Saturday, June 15, 2019, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Friday, July 12, 2019, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Saturday, July 13, 2019, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Friday, August 16, 2019, 7:00pm-9:15pm
Saturday, August 17, 2019, 7:00pm-9:15pm
Friday, September 13, 2019, 6:15pm-9:15pm
Saturday, September 14, 2019, 6:15pm-9:15pm

Where: Aquatic Adventure Center, 1400 N Harbor Dr., Oceanside, CA 92054

Harbor Wine Cruises

What: Join Oceanside Adventures and Beach House Winery on the first Saturday of every month for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard a luxurious catamaran through the beautiful Oceanside Harbor. The cruise features an appetizer platter and three tastes of wines from Beach House Winery. Cost is $39 per person, 21 and over.

When:

Saturday, June 1, 2019, 5pm-6:30pm
Saturday, July 6, 2019, 5pm – 6:30pm
Saturday, August 3, 2019, 5pm – 6:30pm

Where: Oceanside Adventures, 256 Harbor Drive South, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: For reservations call 888-507-1130

More: Oceanside Harbor

Movie at the Park – The Goonies

What: Oceanside Parks and Recreation presents the Movie by the Park series! The movie to be featured is The Goonies. The movie will begin at dark (around 7:30pm). Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and set up their own “movie theater.” This event is free, and family friendly. For more information call (760) 435-5041.

When: Saturday, June 8, 2019, 7:30pm

Where: Marshall Street Park, 1400 Marshall St, Oceanside, CA 92054, USA

Filipino Cultural Festival

What: The Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration is back! The celebration will offer attendees a day filled with Philippine dancing and music, colorful costumes, special performances, and delicious Filipino and international cuisine. In addition there will be crafts and activities for children in the courtyard of the Civic Center Library Community Rooms. Event admission is FREE and open to the public.

When: Saturday, June 8, 2019, 12pm-6pm

Where: Oceanside Civic Center, 300 North The Strand, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: 18th Annual Filipino Cultural Day

Surfing America USA Surfing Championships and Team Trials

What: The Surfing America USA Championships brings the best surfers and stand-up paddlers from across the country for competition and includes longboard, SUP and adaptive divisions. Sponsored by Surfing America, Inc. Surfing America is the IOC-recognized National Governing Body for the sport of surfing in the USA. Surfing America is responsible for holding the USA Championships each year and for selecting the official USA Surf Team to compete internationally.

When: Tuesday, June 11th through Saturday June 15th, 2019, 8am-5pm

Where: Oceanside Harbor North Jetty, Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Surfing America USA Surfing Championship

More: Surfing in Oceanside

Race Across America (RAAM and RAW)

What: Visit Oceanside welcomes the return of Race Across the West (RAW) and Race Across America (RAAM)! Come show your Oceanside spirit by cheering on the start of these endurance racers! RAAM is one of the most respected and longest running endurance sports events in the world, where racers must traverse 3,000 miles across 12 states. RAW is one of the world’s top RAAM qualifying events, taking place from Oceanside, CA to Durango, CO – 860 miles across the rugged American West. Both the RAAM and RAW racers are on the course at the same time making it a perfect way to see how you might do racing RAAM. June 11: Race begins for RAAM solo riders and all RAW participants. June 15: Race begins for RAAM team riders.

When: Tuesday, June 11 and Saturday, June 15, 2019,

Where: Junior Seau Beach Community Center, 300 North The Strand, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Race Across America (RAAM)

Oceanside Independence Parade

What: Come enjoy Oceanside’s annual Independence Parade as it makes it way north on Coast Highway from Wisconsin Avenue to Civic Center Drive (just past City Hall). Come see floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars and much more as we pay tribute to our nation, Hometown Heroes, our city and our local businesses. Viewing of the parade is available from the sidewalks along the entire route. Spectators are encouraged to bring folding chairs. The highest concentration of viewers will be on the north end of the route past Seagaze Avenue. Running time from beginning to end is about two hours.

When: Saturday, June 29, 2019, 10am-12pm

Where: Downtown Oceanside, CA 92054

The parade starts in front of the 101 Cafe (Coast Highway at Wisconsin Avenue) at 10:00 am and works its way north with the first unit of the parade reaching City Hall around 10:15 am.

More Info: Independence Parade Information

Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration

What: The Samoan Cultural Festival returns to Oceanside with a week of activities and events. The final and main event will be held on June 30th starting at 12pm with the cultural celebration beginning at 4pm at the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater. This event is open to the public, will include traditional dancing, live music and performances, cultural competitions, food and local vendors, and more so don’t miss it!

When: Wednesday, June 30, 2019, 12pm-9pm

Where: Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre, 200 North Strand Oceanside, CA 92054

The Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade

What: The 17th annual Dinghy Parade is a fun celebration of Independence Day, with participants decorating their dinghies in a patriotic theme and parading them around the inner harbor where they are judged. All are welcome to enjoy this event, and anyone may decorate a patriotic dinghy 12 feet and under and participate in the parade. There is no entry fee, and trophies will be awarded. Those who are interested in participating may register at the Oceanside Yacht Club office before July 4th.

When: Thursday, July 4, 2019, 1-3pm

Where: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054

Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro

What: The largest and only televised women’s surf contest in the world takes place right here in Oceanside, California! Super Girl Surf Pro includes three days of surfing heats that lead to head-to-head competition between the world’s best female surfers. In addition there will be a festival village complete with live entertainment, vendors, activities, contests, concerts, seminars, and more all weekend long.

When: Friday-Sunday, July 26-28, 2019, All Day

Where: Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre, 200 North Strand Oceanside, CA 92054

More: Super Girl Surf Pro

World Bodysurfing Championships

What: All are invited to attend the annual World Bodysurfing Championships held at the Oceanside Pier and cheer on 350-400 bodysurfers from around the world. The contest is projected to start at 6:30am each morning, and will feature the quarter finals, semi finals and finals for all age brackets. The Men and Women’s Grand Championship Final will follow the last age group Final. In addition there will be vendors stationed along The Strand for you to enjoy.

When: Saturday – Sunday, August 17-18, 2019, All Day

Where: Oceanside Pier, 300 The Strand N Oceanside, CA 92054 USA

More Info: Oceanside World Bodysurfing Championships

More: Oceanside Beaches

For a full list of events in Oceanside be sure to check our Event Calendar often!

The post Fun Summer Beach Events in Oceanside appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

5 Tips to Improve Surfing

Andrew Sumichan — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

5 Tips to Improve Your Surfing Skills

1. Watch Others Surf

Like any other sport, you can learn a lot by watching professional athletes perform their craft. Research surf films and video clips online of your favorite professional surfers. Studying the pros will help you nail your technique and ultimately improve your muscle memory. Aside from video segments, you can also learn a lot from watching other surfers out in the lineup. According to swell.com, “often times local rippers can surf your home break better than anyone else and they will know about the subtle nuances that they can’t always teach you in surf school.“

2. Go For a Swim

90% of surfing is paddling. Any good surfer must also be an excellent paddler. Swimming is one of the easiest, most effective ways to improve paddling. Swimming will strengthen your arms, make you more confident in the water, and increase your overall stamina during sessions.

3. Skateboard

Surfing and skateboarding are both based on the same fundamentals: balance and motion. Skateboarding can be one of the easiest ways to improve your surfing. “Skating regularly will strengthen your legs, smooth out your style,” says swell.com. Plus, even if the waves are dead you can always keep practicing!

4. Stretch Properly and Stay Limber

If you can’t move well, you sure can’t surf well. As a surfer, dynamic flexibility and ease of movement are important to not only surf with some style, but to stay injury free as well. For this reason it is always recommended to stretch before going out in the water. For some warm up ideas visit How to Properly Warm Up Before Surfing.

5. Take a Surf Lesson

Taking a surf lesson is a great way to improve your surfing and feel more comfortable in the water. Beginners will quickly learn some of the fundamentals that are usually learned only through experience and time. Surf lessons also help you avoid beginner surfing mistakes that new surfers might not have thought about.

MORE: Surfing in Oceanside

The post 5 Tips to Improve Surfing appeared first on Visit Oceanside.