Intro
Few things are as synonymous with South Bay life as surfing. Our nextdoor neighbors of Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo, and Torrance are known as the four official South Bay beach cities.
Each year, the cities come together to promote their world renowned lifeguards, community fitness, and world-class beaches at the International Surf Festival. Redondo Beach is this year’s host city, celebrating the event’s 56th year!
A fitness-fueled event for the whole family
The International Surf Festival was designed with a spirit of inclusiveness in mind. Participants as young as 8 up to 80 and beyond have participated in previous events. Though surfing was the festival’s original focus, it has expanded over the years to include multiple activities. Anything related to the sun, sea, and sand is fair game!
This year’s events list
The International Surf Festival hosts an opening dinner tomorrow, August 1st. Guests will bear witness to this year’s Lifeguard Medal of Valor award ceremony, presented by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The three trademark events for the festival are the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, and the Charley Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament. Also included will be a surfing contest, beach run, youth events, and more!
The 2018 Lineup:
August 1st: King Harbor Yacht Club – ISF Youth Sailing Event, Lifeguard Medal of Valor Dinner
August 3rd: Bud Stevenson Intracrew Relay
August 3rd-4th: Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball
August 4th: R-10 Paddleboard Race, Dick Fitzgerald 2-Mile Beach Run, International Body Surfing Championship, International Surf Festival Surfing Championships, Judge Irvin Taplin Medley Relay,
August 4th-5th: CBVA Volleyball
August 5th: Junior 6-Man Beach Volleyball, Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, Velzy-Stevens Paddle, Paul Matthies Dory Race, Youth Swims & Paddles, 58th Annual Sandcastle Design Contest
To register for events or learn more about them, view the links above. A complete schedule including event times is available here.
An event that celebrates the South Bay spirit
With over five decades of beach city history, the International Surf Festival captures the essence of the South Bay. Year after year, it serves up a family- friendly environment, fun, and fitness.
Over the years, the festival has reached out to host numerous international lifeguard teams, connecting our community with countries as far as Australia.
The International Surf Festival is also an official non-profit 501(c)(4) corporation.
A big thank you goes to BEACHSPORT.org, the Chambers of Commerce and Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Department of Beaches and Harbors for making this year’s festival possible. Here’s to a spectacular, fun-filled 2018 surf festival!
