History and legacy of the Rincon Classic
The Rincon Classic has cemented itself as a cornerstone of California’s surf culture, boasting a rich history that spans over four decades. Since its inception in 1982, the event has provided a platform for both emerging talents and seasoned professionals to showcase their skills at one of the most revered surf breaks in the world—Rincon Point. Known for its long, peeling right-hand waves, Rincon has earned the nickname “The Queen of the Coast,” making it the perfect stage for high-performance surfing.
Over the years, the competition has seen legendary surfers carve their names into its history. Icons such as Tom Curren, Bobby Martinez, and Lakey Peterson have all competed in the event, using it as a stepping stone to greater success on the global stage. The Rincon Classic has not only highlighted individual talent but has also fostered a strong sense of community among local surfers, reinforcing the deep connection between the sport and the Santa Barbara region.
“The Rincon Classic is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of our surf heritage and the incredible waves we’re lucky to have here,” says a past champion.
Unlike many commercialised surf competitions, the Rincon Classic remains a grassroots event, prioritising local talent and maintaining a strong community focus. Entry is exclusive to surfers from the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, ensuring that the competition stays true to its roots. This commitment to localism has helped preserve the event’s authenticity, making it a favourite among both competitors and spectators.
As the event enters its 43rd year, its legacy continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of surfers while honouring the traditions that have made it such a beloved fixture in the surfing world. Whether it’s a young grom catching their first wave in the contest or a seasoned pro putting on a masterclass, the Rincon Classic remains a testament to the enduring spirit of California surfing.
Top surfers and anticipated matchups
The 2025 Rincon Classic is set to deliver another thrilling showdown as some of the region’s best surfers prepare to battle it out at one of the most iconic waves in California. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, this year’s competition promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Among the top contenders, all eyes will be on defending champion Conner Coffin, whose powerful rail game and deep knowledge of Rincon’s long, peeling rights make him a formidable force. A former Championship Tour competitor, Coffin’s smooth, stylish approach is perfectly suited to the wave, and he’ll be looking to add another title to his already impressive resume.
Challenging him will be a host of talented surfers, including Parker Coffin, who has consistently impressed with his progressive manoeuvres and explosive turns. The sibling rivalry between the Coffin brothers always adds an extra layer of excitement, as both push each other to perform at their highest level.
Another standout to watch is Lakey Peterson, one of the most accomplished female surfers to come out of Santa Barbara. With her lightning-fast speed and aggressive yet fluid style, Peterson is expected to dominate the women’s division. Having competed on the world stage for years, she brings a level of experience and competitive fire that will be hard to match.
Beyond the established names, the Rincon Classic is also a proving ground for up-and-coming talent. Young guns like Eithan Osborne and Sage Erickson are expected to make a strong impact, showcasing the next generation of Californian surfing. Osborne’s aerial prowess and fearless approach could shake up the competition, while Erickson’s polished technique and competitive mindset make her a serious contender.
One of the most anticipated matchups of the event will be the Masters division, where legends of the sport return to Rincon to remind everyone why they’re still a force to be reckoned with. Expect to see former champions and local icons putting on a clinic in wave selection and timeless style.
With a stacked field and the potential for epic conditions, the 2025 Rincon Classic is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Whether it’s a high-stakes final between seasoned pros or a breakout performance from a young upstart, the competition will undoubtedly deliver world-class surfing at one of the most revered breaks on the planet.
Event details and spectator information
The 2025 Rincon Classic promises an unforgettable weekend of high-performance surfing, community spirit, and coastal culture. Scheduled to take place over two days, the event window is set for mid-January, ensuring prime winter swells that Rincon Point is famous for. With its long, peeling right-hand waves, the break provides the perfect canvas for competitors to showcase their skills, making it a must-see for surf fans.
For those planning to attend, Rincon Point is located just south of Carpinteria, California, easily accessible from the Pacific Coast Highway. However, parking can be limited, especially on competition days, so arriving early is highly recommended. Many spectators opt to park in nearby areas and walk to the beach to secure a good viewing spot along the shoreline.
The event is free for spectators, offering an up-close experience of world-class surfing in an intimate setting. Fans can expect a festival-like atmosphere, with local vendors, food stalls, and sponsor booths set up along the beach. The competition site will also feature a dedicated area for event merchandise, where attendees can purchase limited-edition Rincon Classic apparel and memorabilia.
Beyond the action in the water, the Rincon Classic is known for its strong community focus. The event includes environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups and sustainability efforts to help preserve the pristine coastline. Organisers encourage attendees to respect the local environment by minimising waste and following Leave No Trace principles.
For those unable to attend in person, the competition will be covered extensively on social media, with live updates, heat scores, and behind-the-scenes content shared throughout the weekend. While there won’t be a full live stream, highlight reels and post-heat interviews will be available, ensuring fans can stay connected to the action.
Whether you’re a die-hard surf enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a weekend by the beach, the 2025 Rincon Classic offers an incredible opportunity to witness some of the best surfers in the region take on one of California’s most iconic waves. With a rich history, a stacked lineup, and the potential for epic conditions, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.
History and significance of the Rincon Classic
For over four decades, the **Rincon Classic** has been the proving ground for some of the best surfers to ever paddle out. First held in **1982**, this comp has grown into a legendary event, drawing top talent to one of the most iconic right-hand point breaks on the planet—**Rincon Point** in **Carpinteria, California**.
Dubbed the “Queen of the Coast,” Rincon serves up long, peeling waves that give surfers the perfect canvas to showcase their style, power, and flow. It’s the kind of wave that separates the good from the great, rewarding those who can link turns with precision and read the lineup like a seasoned local.
“If you can surf Rincon well, you can surf anywhere,” as the old saying goes.
What started as a grassroots event has evolved into a **must-win** for surfers looking to cement their legacy. Past champions include some of the biggest names in the sport, proving that if you want respect in California’s surf scene, a Rincon Classic title is a serious feather in your cap.
But it’s not just about the pros—this comp is a **community celebration**. From groms to legends, every division is stacked with talent, and the beach is packed with locals, surf fans, and a few salty old-timers who’ve been watching these waves for longer than most of us have been alive.
With **43 years** under its belt, the Rincon Classic isn’t just a surf contest—it’s a tradition. And when the swell lines up just right, it delivers some of the most **mind-blowing** surfing you’ll see all year.
Top surfers and competition highlights
Every year, the **Rincon Classic** draws a stacked lineup of surfers, from hungry young groms to seasoned pros who know every inch of this legendary point break. The **2025 edition** is no different, with some of the best in the business ready to throw down and put on a show.
Expect to see **explosive rail work, deep carves, and silky-smooth transitions** as competitors battle it out for the title. The wave at Rincon rewards precision, and the surfers who can link their turns seamlessly will be the ones standing tall on the podium.
Past winners read like a who’s who of Californian surfing royalty, and this year’s field is just as stacked. Keep an eye on the **local chargers**, who have spent years perfecting their lines at Rincon, as well as the **young guns** looking to make a name for themselves. And of course, the **legends division** always delivers, proving that style and flow never fade with age.
One of the biggest draws of the Classic is the **rivalries**—friendly, but fierce. Whether it’s a seasoned pro defending their title or a young ripper trying to take down a big name, the competition is always electric. And when the sets start rolling in, you can bet the crowd on the beach will be going absolutely mental.
With **Merrick Lager** backing the event, the vibe is set to be all-time—good waves, good mates, and some of the best surfing you’ll see all year. If the forecast delivers, we’re in for an absolute **cracker** of a comp.