In 2025, California’s surf culture is experiencing a vibrant revival. After years of growth, technological advances, and even a global pandemic, the once laid-back surf culture of Southern California is seeing a resurgence, especially as new generations embrace the sport, and local communities celebrate the coastal lifestyle that is so deeply intertwined with the state’s identity.
Reconnecting with the Ocean
For many, surfing represents much more than just a sport; it is an escape, a chance to connect with nature, and a form of physical and mental wellness. This has never been truer than in 2025, as surfing continues to evolve in response to growing environmental concerns, an increased focus on physical well-being, and a more eco-conscious society.
Surfer and wellness influencer Alex Green explains, “Surfing is a way to get away from the chaos of life. When you’re out on the water, it’s just you and the waves. It’s meditative, but also a serious physical challenge. And that’s why it’s attracting more people, especially younger generations.”
New surf schools have been opening in popular beach towns such as Huntington Beach, Malibu, and Santa Monica. The recent boom in surf lessons, particularly among millennials and Gen Zers, has led to a more diverse and inclusive surf community. These surf schools not only teach the fundamentals of the sport but also emphasize the importance of ocean conservation and environmental advocacy, helping the next generation of surfers become environmental stewards.
Surf Festivals and Competitions: A Growing Community
In addition to individual surfers returning to the waves, major surf festivals and competitions are seeing increased attendance and participation in 2025. The Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach remains one of the largest and most influential surf competitions in the world, attracting surfers from all over the globe, alongside a large crowd of fans.
Held annually, the event is part of a broader trend of surf festivals and competitions celebrating California’s rich surfing culture. In 2025, the festival has grown even larger, with a record number of attendees, both online and in person. The festival draws surfers, music lovers, and beach enthusiasts from all over the world, showcasing the intersection of surf culture with fashion, music, and entertainment. This evolution of the event exemplifies the vibrant, multi-dimensional nature of California’s surf scene in 2025.
Notably, The International Surf Festival in Hermosa Beach also continues to grow, incorporating lifeguard competitions, beach volleyball, and even community clean-up events. These events are central to fostering a sense of community, where locals and visitors alike can come together to celebrate their shared love of the ocean and surf culture.
Sustainability: Surfing Meets Environmental Advocacy
California surfers are increasingly focusing on sustainability. Eco-conscious surfboards made from recyclable and biodegradable materials are becoming more popular. Brands like Firewire Surfboards have developed boards that reduce the environmental impact by using bamboo and recycled plastics. These products help surfers align their passion for the sport with their commitment to protecting the ocean they love.
In 2025, the Surfrider Foundation and other environmental organizations continue to play a key role in advocacy. These groups hold regular beach clean-ups and campaigns to protect California’s beaches from plastic pollution. As surfing’s popularity grows, so does the community’s investment in protecting the natural environment.
In Santa Monica, local surf shops and eco-friendly surf brands are partnering to host educational events, teaching the importance of reducing waste and using sustainable materials, while also promoting ocean conservation efforts. These movements represent the surf community’s deepening connection to environmental sustainability, further intertwining surfing culture with the growing global demand for eco-consciousness.
Surf Culture’s Broader Impact
Surf culture in California is not just about the sport itself—it’s about the lifestyle. The relaxed, community-centered ethos that comes with surfing is something that continues to resonate with people across all walks of life. Whether it’s the surfer lifestyle inspiring local fashion brands or the beach culture influencing wellness trends, the impact of California’s surf culture extends far beyond the waves.
As California continues to embrace surf culture in 2025, the sport has also evolved to embrace broader societal issues, including diversity and inclusion. Initiatives are underway to make surfing more accessible to underrepresented communities, including partnerships with schools and local youth programs.
For many, surfing remains a way of life—a culture that celebrates freedom, creativity, and a deeper connection to the ocean and the world around us. In 2025, this culture is stronger than ever, as more people continue to ride the waves of change and environmental awareness.
