2009 International Surf Festival – SoCal Beach Cities

Sure, you could lounge on the beach all summer, but the folks at the 2009 International Surf Festival might call you sissy (or at least lazy). That’s because these beach-worn athletes are tackling the summer heat with a three-day gauntlet of sand and surf competition. It’s an annual tradition out on the West Coast, and there’s still time to get in on the action.

With a dozen events and competitors ages eight to eighty, the International Surf Festival is one of the largest events of its kind. Lifeguards and amateur athletes come from all over the country to compete for glory and, more important, fun. Like the sun, the competition is hot, but it’s always in the spirit of good health and good times.

The International Surf Festival takes places at various locations throughout southern California’s “beach” cities: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach (not technically one of the official three, but I’m counting it), as well as Torrance and even some of Los Angeles. All events carry individual applications and registration fees and must be joined separately.

What events? Pretty much anything you can handle (and possibly some you can’t). Events include: Lifeguard Intercrew (multi-event), bodysurfing, surfing, sand soccer, two-mile run, volleyball (men’s and women’s), paddleboat, swimming, dory races, plus bi and triathlon-style combo events.

You don’t have to compete. Spectators are welcome and encouraged.

To find venues, view schedules, download applications and check out photos of past events, visit the 2009 International Surf Festival Web site. Oh, and good luck!

With competition spread over several cities, lodging options are virtually unlimited, so we’ll just a mention a favorite. The Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach Hotel is well located to Redondo Beach events, just a moment’s walk to the Pier. If you plan on driving into to other event locations, take advantage of the “Gas and Go Package“.

Have fun!

Related Posts

No related posts.