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Long Beach Surfing History

The Birthplace of California's First National Surfing Championship

In 1938 and 1939, Long Beach’s West End waves drew tens of thousands—launching one of the earliest large-scale surfing and paddleboard competitions in the United States.

Our Model

Introduction

Before breakwaters calmed its waters, Long Beach was a thriving surf destination—home to rolling swells and a vibrant coastal culture.

In November 1938, that shoreline became the stage for something unprecedented: Los Angeles County’s first surfing and paddleboard competition billed as a national event.