The San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame is stoked to announce the return of the Solento Surf Festival, a vibrant, multi-day celebration hitting Encinitas, CA from September 13th to 20th, 2025! Prepare for five days packed with exhilarating surf action, incredible live music, captivating films, and inspiring art, all dedicated to the essence of surf culture.

Kick-Off Party & Surf Comp Extravaganza at Seaside Reef (September 13th)

The festival launches with a FREE, open-to-the-community event at Seaside Reef on September 13, 2025! Compete, or enjoy on the beach a truly unique surf contest experience designed for both surfers and spectators. When the last wave is ridden, the fun continues at the beach bar and stage with live music and entertainment. Plus, come hungry – and thirsty – your favorite local vendors will be there serving until sunset.

Surf Comp Categories – Diverse Surf Challenges!

• The Countdown Cup (Men’s & Women’s Divisions): Witness incredible surfing as competitors showcase their diverse skills across four different fin set-ups!
  • Round 1 (Quad Fin): Surfers ride one wave on a quad fin, top 16 advance.
  • Round 2 (Thruster): One wave on a thruster, top 8 advance.
  • Semifinal (Twin Fin): Two waves on a twin fin, top 4 combined scores progress.
  • Final (Single Fin): A 30-minute heat with no wave limit, best single wave crowned winner.
• The United Air Show: Presented by United Airlines, the winner of this high-flying contest will take home a roundtrip ticket to Australia! Participants are selected from the Countdown Cup, with the best overall air winning the prize.
• GROMATHON: A super fun and friendly free contest for ages 13 and under! This multi-discipline event combines a beach run, a paddle, and a wave. Check-in at the beach marshall by 12:00 PM to compete, with the contest starting at 1:00 PM. Remember to BYO soft top!