The only thing that compares to a great day of surf would be an entire festival dedicated to the sport.  Thanks to the San Onofre Foundation, Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, Subaru, Kona Brewing and California State Parks, we got to rock out for the entire day with surf, food, music and drinks at the Doheny Surf Festival.

Grom Bomb Heathy Rehydration booth at the Doheny Surf Fest. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

The Doheny Surf Festival in Dana Point, California was an incredible event organized for the purpose of protecting the most popular beaches in the area including San Onofre, San Clemente, Trestles and Doheny State Parks. These four state beaches, monumental in surf history and frequently visited by California surfers and global travelers alike, are at risk as the state of California suffers from budget reductions.  

These vital beaches to Californa culture have experienced “slashed yearly budgets,” explains festival PR consultant, Brian Williams. “That’s why they depend on raising funds: to keep the parks operating as is, and maintained year round.”

The San Onofre Foundation is willing to do whatever it takes to save these precious gifts. The Saturday and Sunday event had various performances by awesome surf inspired bands, such as Eddie Money, FishBone, Common Sense, ALO, Honk, Paula Fuga and, one of local favorites,The Originalites.  

Tandem surfing begins at the Doheny Surf Festival 2012. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

The Doheny Surf Festival raffles off a brand new SUP between sets on the concert stage. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

These bands entertained over 3,500 guests as they perused the eco-friendly booths of retail shops, artists, photographers, athlete autograph signings, non-profit organizations and just about any type of surf equipment you could think of.  And, of course, what would the event be without the waves?

Tandom surfing at the Doheny Surf Fest. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

Doheny Surf Festival Tandem Surfing 2012. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

Doheny had gorgeous sets rolling through Saturday and Sunday for the legends expression session, tandem surfing and nose riding friendly competitions.  Doheny Surf Festival put on an exiciting show and we are stoked to check it out next year to help save our gorgeous beaches and blissful surf. 

Surf photographer, Geoff Glenn, showing off his magical images. See more on his website. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

Surf Channel took the time to get to know some of the boys from the surf/skate inspired apparel company, Tensel, from Newport Beach, California. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

Then the boys from Tensel took some time to get to know the ladies. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

International Surfing Museum educating the Doheny Surf Fest participants. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

International Surfing Museum educating the Doheny Surf Fest participants. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

For more info on this incredible weekend devoted to surf culture, check out DohenySurfFest.com

Tandem surfers check in at the Doheny State Beach. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q

Emily Bates (374 Posts)

As a 2012 college graduate from California State University, Long Beach, Emily enters the world with a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies and a passion for surfing, cultural diversity and serving others.