Rincon Classic History

The event where legends are made

The Rincon Classic is the oldest and most iconic surf contest in Santa Barbara’s long and storied surf history. A locals-only gathering at the Queen of the Coast, the Classic brings together generations of the area’s best surfers each winter. To score Rincon at her finest, the event holds a six-week waiting period to ensure the best possible conditions.

Over its 46-year history, the Classic has seen everyone from household names like Tom Curren, Bobby Martinez, Chris Brown, Kim Mearig, Davey Smith, and Dane Reynolds, to rising talents such as Lakey Peterson, Conner and Parker Coffin, Demi Boelsterli, and Kilian Garland. And for every famous name, there’s a crew of underground locals who quietly—and permanently—own the lineup at Rincon.

Founded in 1979 by Roger Nance, Jeff White, and a group of local surfers, the Classic ran for 17 consecutive years before going dormant in 1996. In 2001, Chris Keet and the Surf Happens crew revived the event to carry the tradition forward. Under the guidance of this generation, the Classic has grown exponentially and continues to be supported by the community through true grassroots energy.

This event wou’dnt be possible without the support of our sponsors. In 2018, Channel Islands Surfboards stepped in as the headline sponsor, after being presenting sponsor since 2011, bringing their incredible legacy and deep local roots into the heart of the event. Working with a hometown company that has shaped surf culture for decades has been incredible, and the Classic simply wouldn’t be what it is today without their support!