LOCAL SURF CONTEST + GLOBAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
LOCAL SURF CONTEST + GLOBAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
LOCAL SURF CONTEST + GLOBAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
LOCAL SURF CONTEST + GLOBAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
LOCAL SURF CONTEST + GLOBAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
WOW 2026 / OCTOBER 17-18 / Capitola beach
SURF
CONTEST
INFO
DATE AND LOCATION
Saturday, Oct 17 and Sunday, October 18. - Capitola Beach
GENERAL INFO
Cost: $120
Your 2026 Women On Waves SURF Contest registration includes:
• Lunch from Mad Yolks (Sat and Sun)
• Women On Waves - SEA Her STOKE shirt. Lightweight, soft, and comfy fit!
• Women On Waves - SEA Her STOKE canvas bag.
• SEA Her STOKE Sticker
• WOW-HULA Reusable Cup*
• Wax by Trees Wax
• Water by True Source
• Coffee from Lizzy Long Legs
*Excluding Giggly Groms
SCHEDULE
WOW Surf contest will start on Saturday, Oct 17 morning*. Categories are divided by age groups. All First Heats and part of the Semi - Finals will be on Saturday, Oct 17. More Semi-Finals and Finals will be held on Sunday, Oct. 18. Our goal is for every participant to surf at least twice*.
*Not guaranteed.
SIGN-IN
Sign-in will be the morning of Oct. 17 (time to be announced closer to the event). You will pick up your goodie bag and lunch bracelet at sign-in. YOU MUST SHOW A VALID ID.
HEATS INFO
During each heat every participant will be assigned a rash guard color. Rash guards will be located by the registration - packet pick-up booth at the Capitola Beach Esplanade. After the first heats, rash guards will be located over by the progression board near the judges tent.
Heat schedule will be published the week of the event.
RULES
Please make sure to go over the contest RULES before the event. Feel free to email us with any questions regarding the contest rules.
WOW CODE OF CONDUCT
We kindly ask all of our participants to please read THIS.
EQUIPMENT INFO
Longboards must be a minimum of 9 ft. in length.
For contestants under 14,
boards must be a minimum of 3 feet
over the competitor’s head.
WHAT ARE THE NOVICE AND FANCY NOVICE CATEGORIES*
GIGGLYY-GROMS
The Giggly Groms (Formerly known as the kei-ki's) is a "for fun" category for kids between the ages of 5-9. Parent's or guardians are welcomed to join them in the water to provide support and if necessary, push them into the waves. Please stay for the awards ceremony. Every Giggly Grom will receive a participation award.
CANCELLATION POLICY
You may request a full refund up to 30 days before the event. After that, a 50% refund of your registration fee (excluding Humanitix fees) will be available until October 1st, 2026. No refunds will be issued after October 1st, 2026.
Photo Credit: Claire Harper
WOW 2026 NEW SURF CONTEST DIVISIONS INFO
CAPITOLA QUEENS DESCRIPTIONS: (all ages advanced group)
The Capitola Queens division is for advanced surfers ready to test their skills against the best, regardless of age. This elite division brings together talented competitors for a fun and challenging showdown in the waves. If you're looking to push yourself to the next level and compete for an awesome prize*, the Capitola Queens division is for you. Limited to 6 participants.
FANCY NOVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION: (age group 10-100)
The "Look at Me Turning!" Division
You've graduated from simply riding straight. A Fancy Novice can control their board and make basic turns to stay on the wave, but isn't yet performing advanced maneuvers or surf tricks like an intermediate surfer. Think of this as the "I can steer, but I'm not showing off yet" division. You've figured out that surfboards can go left and right. You can trim down the line, make basic turns, and control your ride. You're not throwing spray or hanging ten just yet, but you've definitely added a little fancy to your surfing.
You can catch waves and ride with confidence.
You can trim and make intentional turns.
You can angle down the line and stay with the wave.
You are NOT consistently performing advanced maneuvers such as cutbacks, noserides, floaters, snaps, or other tricks.
NOVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION: (age group 10-100)
The "Just Happy to Be Here" Division :) .
A surfer who is still learning the fundamentals. If your abilities are limited to catching waves, standing up, and riding straight toward the beach, then you're a Novice. If your goal is to catch waves, pop up, and enjoy the ride, this is your place. Novices are building confidence and learning the foundations of surfing. Riding straight is great. Feeling the stoke the whole way is even better.
You belong here if:
You catch waves and stand up regularly.
You mostly ride straight.
You are still learning how to turn and maneuver.
You cannot consistently perform bottom turns, cutbacks, or cross-steps.
*If you register in the Novice or Fancy Novice category you can't add a second registration for yourself in an age group category.
