The Santa Cruz Longboard Union Club Invitational, the longest-running longboard surf contest in the United States, according to the club, returns to Steamer Lane this Memorial Day weekend.
The Santa Cruz Longboard Union, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting surf culture and community engagement through events, outreach and competition.
Blending surf heritage with community impact, the annual event aims to represent the Santa Cruz surf culture, as well as raise money for local nonprofits, according to a news release from the group.
Nearly 200 surfers from across California will gather to compete for trophies and points within The Coalition of Surfing Clubs. As an official invitational, participation is limited to coalition-affiliated surf teams.
The invitational will take place May 23 and 24 at the iconic surf break Steamer Lane along West Cliff Drive, near the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and lighthouse.
The event will also feature a vendor marketplace on both Saturday and Sunday.
More than 14 local vendors will be on hand offering handcrafted goods, including clothing, jewelry, candles, wetsuits and other surf-inspired products. Attendees can also purchase food and drinks from nearby Steamer Lane Supply.
The Santa Cruz Longboard Union Club Invitational happens May 23 and 24, from 7 a.m to 5 p.m., at 700 West Cliff Dr. The event is free and open to the public.
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