California’s oldest and most revered surf contest has been a local proving ground for 44 years.
When it comes to dream waves, it’s hard to top the peeling perfection of Rincon Point, just south of Carpinteria. Nicknamed the Queen of the Coast, this epic right-hander delivers one of the longest rides in California. Its bucket-list appeal can attract upwards of 200 surfers in good conditions. But once a year, lucky locals get it all to themselves during the Rincon Classic.
This unique, locals-only competition was founded in 1979 by a crew of area surfers and ran for 17 straight years. Some of surfing’s greats, including three-time world champion Tom Curren and former women’s world champ Kim Mearig, gained early contest experience here before breaking onto bigger stages.
One of those young competitors was Chris Keet, who entered the event in 1996 as a 20-year-old aspiring pro. The experience stuck with him.
“The energy was electric,” he recalls. “The contest was so grassroots and filled with kids, young adults who were my peers, pros I looked up to, and elders.”
In 2001, Keet, now the owner of Surf Happens surf school in Santa Barbara, resurrected the competition. While the format is more official, with sponsors including Faherty, the contest hasn’t lost its grassroots community vibe. Participation remains exclusive to 805 area code residents, and with over a dozen age divisions, it’s truly a multi-generational event.
This year’s contest, held the second weekend in February, was especially emotional, as the recent wildfires in Los Angeles weighed heavily on the community.
“When things get tough, gathering acts as a source of healing,” says Keet. “The event isn’t just about the waves, it’s about community and gathering.”
That sense of community was on full display at this year’s event, with the beach absolutely packed. Spectators from Santa Barbara to Northern LA turned out to soak up the warm weather, cheer on the surfers, and crush a burrito courtesy of Rincon Brewery. The vibrant energy proved once again why the Rincon Classic is such a beloved tradition and cornerstone of the community.
Faherty is proud to be part of this legacy and excited to be signed on as a sponsor for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the event as well.
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