history and significance

The Channel Islands Surfboards Rincon Classic has been a cornerstone of the Southern California surf scene for over four decades. First held in 1979, the event was created to celebrate the region’s deep-rooted surf culture and provide a platform for local talent to showcase their skills. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most respected and longest-running surf competitions on the West Coast.

Rincon Point, often referred to as the “Queen of the Coast,” is renowned for its world-class right-hand point break, offering long, peeling waves that provide the perfect canvas for high-performance surfing. The competition has consistently attracted some of the best surfers from California and beyond, many of whom have gone on to achieve international success.

Beyond the competition itself, the Rincon Classic holds a special place in the hearts of the local surf community. It has become a gathering point for generations of surfers, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and respect for the sport’s heritage. The event also emphasises environmental awareness, with organisers and participants actively promoting sustainability and ocean conservation efforts.

With its rich history and deep community ties, the Rincon Classic remains a highly anticipated event each year, continuing to honour the legacy of surfing while inspiring the next generation of wave riders.

competition and divisions

The 2025 Channel Islands Surfboards Rincon Classic will feature a diverse range of divisions, ensuring that surfers of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to compete. From groms just beginning their competitive journey to seasoned professionals looking to showcase their mastery of Rincon’s legendary waves, the event offers something for everyone.

Divisions typically include categories such as Juniors, Open Men’s, Open Women’s, Masters, and Legends, as well as specialty heats like the highly anticipated Pro division. The Pro division often draws some of the biggest names in surfing, with past competitors including world tour veterans and local standouts eager to claim victory at one of California’s most iconic breaks.

In addition to the traditional shortboard divisions, the Rincon Classic also celebrates the diversity of surf styles with longboard and alternative craft categories. These divisions highlight the fluidity and creativity of surfing, allowing competitors to express themselves on a variety of boards suited to Rincon’s long, peeling right-handers.

Judging criteria for the event focus on wave selection, speed, power, and flow, rewarding surfers who can link together critical manoeuvres with style and precision. Given Rincon’s reputation for producing some of the best waves in California, competitors will need to bring their A-game to stand out in the lineup.

With a mix of up-and-coming talents and established professionals, the competition promises high-performance surfing and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a young grom making their mark or a seasoned veteran putting on a masterclass, the Rincon Classic continues to be a proving ground for some of the best surfers in the region.

community and anticipation

As the 2025 Channel Islands Surfboards Rincon Classic approaches, excitement is building within the local surf community and beyond. For many, this event is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of surf culture, bringing together generations of surfers, families, and fans to share in the stoke of riding Rincon’s legendary waves.

Each year, the Classic serves as a reunion for past competitors, surf industry figures, and passionate spectators who return to Rincon Point to witness the action and reconnect with old friends. The event’s grassroots nature and strong community ties make it a standout on the surf calendar, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where both seasoned professionals and young up-and-comers can thrive.

Local businesses, surf brands, and environmental organisations also play a key role in the event, contributing to the festival-like atmosphere that surrounds the competition. Vendor booths, sustainability initiatives, and interactive displays help create an engaging experience for attendees, while sponsors like Channel Islands Surfboards and Merrick Lager ensure the event maintains its high standards year after year.

Beyond the competition itself, the Rincon Classic is known for its commitment to environmental stewardship. Organisers and participants actively promote ocean conservation efforts, with beach clean-ups and sustainability programs reinforcing the importance of protecting the coastline that provides the waves they cherish. This dedication to preserving the natural beauty of Rincon Point resonates deeply with the local surf community, further strengthening the event’s significance.

With anticipation reaching new heights, surfers and spectators alike are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness world-class performances and soak in the unique atmosphere that only the Rincon Classic can provide. Whether it’s a grom competing in their first heat or a seasoned pro putting on a masterclass, the event continues to inspire and unite the surfing community year after year.

Event overview

The 2025 Channel Islands Surfboards Rincon Classic is set to fire up once again, bringing together some of the best surfers to one of California’s most iconic breaks. Held at Rincon Point—often dubbed the “Queen of the Coast”—this comp has been a proving ground for legends and up-and-comers alike for over four decades.

With a range of divisions covering groms to seasoned pros, the event showcases high-performance surfing in some of the most rippable waves on the West Coast. When Rincon turns on, it delivers long, peeling right-handers that let surfers lay down rail-to-rail carves, stylish cutbacks, and the occasional barrel if the swell lines up just right.

Competitors will be battling it out for bragging rights, trophies, and a shot at etching their name into the event’s storied history. But it’s not just about the surfing—expect a buzzing beach atmosphere, plenty of local legends hanging around, and a strong sense of community that makes this comp one of the most respected on the calendar.

Whether you’re there to compete, cheer on your mates, or just soak up the action, the Rincon Classic is always a spectacle. And if the waves deliver, you can bet there’ll be some serious fireworks in the lineup.

Community and legacy

Few surf comps have the kind of grassroots soul that the Rincon Classic brings year after year. This isn’t just another contest—it’s a celebration of the local surf culture, a gathering of generations who’ve grown up carving lines at Rincon and passing down the stoke.

Since its early days, the event has been a cornerstone of the Santa Barbara surf scene, with legends like Tom Curren, Bobby Martinez, and Dane Reynolds all leaving their mark. But it’s not just about the big names—this comp is where local groms get their first taste of serious competition, where underground chargers get their moment to shine, and where the community comes together to back their own.

Beyond the heats and high-performance surfing, the Rincon Classic is a full-blown festival of surf culture. Families, friends, and old-school locals line the beach, sharing stories, cheering on their favourites, and soaking up the good vibes. The event also gives back, with environmental initiatives, youth programs, and local businesses all playing a role in keeping the tradition alive.

At its core, the Rincon Classic is about more than just winning—it’s about respect for the break, for the history, and for the tight-knit crew that makes this event what it is. Whether you’re a past champ, a first-time competitor, or just there for the show, one thing’s for sure—this comp is as much about the people as it is about the waves.