Surf’s up on both coasts this weekend, with the spirit and spectacle of wave-riding culture coming alive in Oceanside, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia. While the Save The Waves Film Festival brings environmental storytelling and surf art to a historic home in Oceanside, the 63rd annual East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC) resumes in Virginia Beach, drawing hundreds of competitors and surf fans despite the lingering effects of Hurricane Erin. Whether you’re a film buff, an environmentalist, or a die-hard surf competitor, there’s no shortage of action and inspiration along America’s shores.
Let’s start in Oceanside, where anticipation is building for the Save The Waves Film Festival’s California stop at Dear Tomorrow, a historic home-turned-community art house. This isn’t just any film festival—it’s the world’s only international touring festival dedicated to surf and environmental storytelling, and it’s making waves across the globe. With previous stops in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Costa Rica, Canada, Australia, and El Salvador, the festival has become a beacon for ocean lovers and conservationists alike.
The Oceanside event, set for Saturday, August 23, 2025, promises an eclectic evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Attendees can expect a vibrant lineup of films, headlined by this year’s feature, Riding the Sardine Run by Now Now Media. The documentary follows a group of intrepid surfers as they chase waves along a remote stretch of South African coastline during the annual sardine run—a natural phenomenon that attracts marine life and thrill-seekers alike. The film’s sweeping visuals and adrenaline-charged narrative are sure to captivate audiences and spark conversations about the importance of preserving the world’s surf ecosystems.
But the festival is about more than just films. The Dear Tomorrow venue will transform into a hub of creativity and community, with outdoor screenings, experiential art installations, flash tattoos, delicious food and drinks, and a gallery featuring works from twelve ocean-inspired artists. It’s a full-sensory celebration of surf culture and environmental stewardship. Tickets are available for $15 at deartmrw.com, with proceeds directly supporting surf ecosystem conservation projects worldwide—a win for both attendees and the planet.
The event’s organizers and hosts are buzzing with excitement. As Dear Tomorrow shared with FOX 5/KUSI, “We’re so excited to host the Save The Waves Film Festival at Dear Tomorrow, because our space has always been about expression, gathering and community. This festival brings all of that together–powerful films, artists, food and conversation–centered on something we deeply care about: our ocean. Oceanside is the perfect stop for this tour, and we can’t wait to share the night with everyone who comes through our doors.”
Behind the scenes, the Save The Waves Coalition, a nonprofit organization, is orchestrating the tour with a clear mission: to protect surf ecosystems through coalition-building and advocacy. Their efforts have united diverse organizations and individuals passionate about the health of our oceans. For festival-goers, this means every ticket purchased and every conversation sparked contributes to real-world impact—proof that the surf community’s love for the ocean translates into meaningful action.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Virginia Beach is buzzing with the sound of crashing waves and the cheers of spectators as the 63rd annual East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC) resumes after a brief weather delay. Founded in 1963, this storied competition is one of the oldest running surfing contests in the world, attracting more than 800 surfers from across the globe. The weeklong festival blends fierce competition with the laid-back rhythms of beach culture, offering a little something for everyone.
This year’s ECSC has been shaped by the whims of nature. Hurricane Erin swept through the region, forcing organizers to delay Thursday’s events for safety. But by Friday, August 22, 2025, the skies cleared and the competition kicked off at 10:30 a.m., with surfers eager to take on the larger-than-normal waves churned up by the departing storm. According to Panama’s Kyle Gayle, “It was looking crazy today, but definitely a lot less crazy than yesterday.” His words capture the exhilaration—and relief—felt by many as the contest got underway in challenging but manageable conditions.
The ECSC isn’t just about the pros. Competitors span all ages, from juniors to seasoned masters, with divisions for both shortboard and longboard surfers. Organizers have been especially mindful of safety, postponing the 12-to-14-year-old bracket until Saturday, August 23, when the waters are expected to be calmer and more suitable for younger athletes. Red flags remain posted along the beach, warning less experienced swimmers to be cautious due to lingering choppiness—a reminder that the ocean’s power is never to be underestimated.
Beyond the competition, the ECSC is a full-on festival of beach life. Attendees can catch BMX and skateboarding demos, enjoy live music, and browse a bustling vendor village. There’s a palpable sense of camaraderie and celebration, as surfers and fans alike soak in the sun, surf, and spectacle that have defined this event for over six decades. The festival’s longevity speaks volumes about its importance in the surf community and its enduring appeal across generations.
What’s remarkable about this weekend is the way both coasts are channeling the energy of the ocean into events that celebrate not just the sport of surfing, but the culture, art, and environmental consciousness that surround it. In Oceanside, the Save The Waves Film Festival is a reminder that storytelling and art can inspire action and foster a deeper connection to the ocean. In Virginia Beach, the ECSC showcases the athleticism, resilience, and joy that surfing brings to individuals and communities alike—even in the face of unpredictable weather.
For fans, athletes, and advocates, these events offer a chance to come together, share stories, and support causes that matter. Whether it’s cheering on a young competitor catching their first wave or engaging with artists whose work reflects the beauty and fragility of marine life, there’s a sense of unity and purpose that transcends the shoreline.
As Saturday night approaches, Oceanside’s Dear Tomorrow will glow with the light of outdoor film screens and the buzz of conversation, while Virginia Beach’s surf breaks will test the mettle of the next generation of champions. Both events remind us that the ocean is more than a playground—it’s a source of inspiration, a call to action, and a vital part of our shared world.
With the surf community rallying on both coasts, the stage is set for a weekend that’s as meaningful as it is memorable. Whether you’re catching a wave, watching a film, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the message is clear: the ocean connects us all, and its stories are worth celebrating—and protecting—together.