Huntington Beach Surf City U.S.A.

Huntington Beach is known for many things but the first image that comes to most people's minds is surfing. Surfing sits at the heart of Huntington and is the lifeblood of the city. We celebrate it and embrace it whole-heartedly. The city is home to many well known surf competitions, the International Surf Museum, that which is dedicated to the art and culture of the sport, and the Surfing Walk of Fame. The City Council even went so far as to trademark surfing into the city's name; officially and legally becoming Huntington Beach Surf City USA. The sport made its triumphant debut in the city around a century ago in 1914 when Mr. Huntington himself invited the famed Hawaiian surfer George Freeth to come and demonstrate his unique wave riding skills at the grand opening of the first concrete pier. Ever since that fateful day when the crowd watched in awe of that first ride, the sport of surfing has taken off growing by leaps and bounds and finding a special place in everybody's heart.

It should come as no surprise that surfing is a big part of life here. Every October as the beaches clear from the last of the summer crowds and the crisp fall feeling begins to set in with the chilly mist blowing off the waves, surfers, some of whom are part of the founding generation that popularized the sport, as well as others that found the sport a little later in life, come together at the pier that started it all to compete for bragging rights and to have fun in the Senior Surf Invitational. This exciting event is sponsored by the Community Services Department, the Huntington Beach Council on Aging, Memorial Care Medical Group and Body Glove. Family, friends and fans alike gather along the shore and cheer on the participants ranging in age from 50 all the way to 85+, as they brave the chilly water to showcase their skills in the waves. This event has gained quite a bit of popularity and recognition since its inception. Growing out of the Southland Senior Olympics Surf competition into Huntington Beach’s very own signature event with 63 surfers participating last year, the event continues to grow as well as receive statewide recognition by the California Parks & Recreation society. Last year the event was honored with a prestigious award of excellence in creating community and aging well.

This year marks the Surf Invitational's 4th anniversary and it returns bigger and better than ever as the residents continue to show that Huntington is not only a great place to live and enjoy the surf - it is also a great place to age. Where else are you going to find an appreciation for the sport and incorporation of it into an active aging community like you do in Huntington? Join us on October 25th on the south side of the pier as the next chapter of this surfing saga is written and we crown the next champion. See you at the Beach!