Epic! Surfing becomes California’s official state sport
Surf music originated in California, spearheaded by Jan and Dean, Dick Dale and The Beach Boys.
It’s where the modern surfboard was invented. And it’s home to the original, courtroom-validated Surf City – Huntington Beach.
So Gov. Jerry Brown made it official on Monday, declaring surfing the official state sport.
Hawaii is where surfing began, some say, but you can make a strong case that no other state has celebrated “catching a wave” more. Californians have made surfing more a lifestyle than a mere sport.
“I am stoked,” said South Bay Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, (D-Torrance), an avid surfer. “No other sport represents the California dream better than surfing — riding the waves of opportunity and living in harmony with nature.”
Muratsuchi co-authored the legislation with fellow Assemblyman Ian Calderon, (D-Whittier), signed Monday into law by Gov. Brown.
The Golden State boasts about 1,100 miles of coastline, as well as some of the world’s best surf breaks and several museums devoted to surfing.
“Growing up surfing not only had a significant impact on who I am as a person, but also taught me at a young age to appreciate and cherish our beautiful coastline that we are so fortunate to have here in California,” Calderon said.
Calderon, a former professional surfer who started competing in contests at age seven and went on to work for Hurley in retail marketing, has said that he hopes the designation will have a positive impact on the economy.
Back in February, with Hermosa Beach’s Surfer’s Walk of Fame as their backdrop, Muratsuchi and Calderon were joined by other state and local elected officials and leaders in the surfing industry to urge support for their measure.
“A big part of surfing is the environmental message of protecting and respecting the ocean,” Muratsuchi said. “We want to teach all Californians, not just surfers, the importance of protecting the ocean.”
Studies estimate the global surfing industry generates $10 billion to $13 billion annually, roughly $6 billion of which come from retail sales in California where 10,000 to 20,000 people are employed in the surfing industry. But when considering international travel and related tourism, a 2017 study put the total global value at more than $50 billion annually.
Previous studies have attempted to put a value on particular surf breaks. A 2010 study found the big-wave break at Mavericks off Half Moon Bay was worth about $23.9 million considering 420,000 people traveled there each year to see the monster waves, according to an article in Fortune. A 2012 study of the break at Trestles in San Diego County attached a price value of $24 million.
Staff writer David Rosenfeld contributed to this report.