Surfing Santa Competition 2024 in Los Angeles

At the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, the annual Surfing Santa Competition is a fun tradition. Surfers don Santa suits (or other costumes) and paddle out to catch waves, raising money for Surfers Healing. This non-profit provides therapeutic surf experiences for children with autism. Held the weekend before Thanksgiving at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, the event celebrates both surfing culture and a worthy cause, continuing a cherished tradition of community support and holiday spirit.

History of Surfing Santa Competition

The Surfing Santa & Stand Up Paddle Board Contest, established in 2010, supports Surfers Healing, a surf camp for children with autism. Held at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, participants dress in holiday-themed costumes and compete in surfing and paddleboarding. The event began as a Holiday Surfboard Auction and has since raised over $650,000 for Surfers Healing. Surfers Healing, founded by Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz, offers free surf camps to children with autism, helping them find therapeutic benefits through the calming effect of surfing.