BY MATTEA PIESCH
Catching some waves, listening to good music, and hanging out by the beach is right up our alley. Even if you can’t surf yourself, you can meet the most laid back people and have conversations by the bonfire on the beach to make your summer unforgettable. We looked up the eight best surfing events from across the world that you shouldn’t miss.
Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach, CA
Dates: July 25 – August 2
Details: If you didn’t already know, Huntington Beach is the surf mecca of the U.S., and big names such as Corky Carroll and even Kelly Slater have had their beginnings in Surf City. The U.S. Open of Surfing is a competition for both men and women, and has a lot of events outside of the contest as well. Make sure to visit the Surfing Museum and the Surfing Walk of Fame while you’re there.
Web: http://www.vansusopenofsurfing.com/
Skate and Surf Festival, Asbury Park, NJ
Dates: May 16 – May 17
Details: This is a big music festival on the oceanfront of New Jersey. While some of the biggest names of rock and punk music play on-stage, different skate and surf contests are held. This is your festival if you like loud music and watching surf and skate amateurs.
Web: http://www.skateandsurffest.com/
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Oahu, Hawaii
Dates: November 12 – December 20
Details: Three different events for men and women are held on the North Shore of Hawaii each year. The different locations come with different challenges and difficulties, and the winners of the contests get the crown. The North Shore is famous for its 50-foot tall swells, so enjoy the beauty of Hawaii while watching some of the greatest names in surfing history compete.
Web: http://vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/
Surfana Festival, Bloemendaal aan Zee, Netherlands
Dates: June 12 – June 14
Details: This relatively small festival is all about surfing and enjoying life. There are no competitions going on here; it’s all about hanging out, listening to music, and having a good time. The festival also offers surf, stand-up paddle board, hula hoop, and slackline workshops. If you’re a hippie at heart, this is your festival!
Web: http://www.surfanafestival.com/
Roxy Pro, Biarritz, France
Dates: October 6 – October 17
Details: Sorry guys, this event is for girls only! The event is part of the World Surfing Championship tour but also features a lot of great events outside of the competition. An art festival and different concerts are being held right by the beach and it’s all free!
Web: http://roxy.com/surf/events/pro-france.html
Boardmasters, Cornwall, England
Dates: August 5 – August 9
Details: This is THE surf festival to go to in England! While some of the greatest surfers hit the waves, festival visitors are invited to go to the music festival with headliners such as Faithless, Rudimental, and Bastille.
Web: http://boardmasters.co.uk/
Surfilm Festival, San Sebastian, Spain
Dates: June 25 – June 28
Details: Calling itself the most bizarre surf encounter in the Atlantic Ocean, the Surfilm Festival in San Sebastian features not only great surfing opportunities and a surf film festival, but also live music and art exhibitions. It has everything a surfer’s heart desires!
Web: http://www.surfilmfestibal.com/2015/donostia-san-sebastian/
Australian Surf Festival, Coffs Coast, Australia
Dates: July 31 – August 17
Details: This festival consists of four amateur events alongside a lot of live music, art exhibitions, barbeques, presentations, and workshops. Coffs Coast is a great location for any kind of outdoor activity, so if you’re in the land down under, make sure to pay it a visit!
Web: http://www.australiansurffestival.com/
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