Legislature declares Sept. 20 to be 'California Surfing Day'

In what is maybe the most chill move in the history of government, the California Legislature this month declared Sept. 20 “California Surfing Day.”

Love the idea or hate it, the holiday is intended to “celebrate the California surfing lifestyle,” honor the “history, culture and future of surfing” and inspire future surfers. And, as any local knows, the fall season is a sweet time to be at the beach.

With some 3.3 million surfers nationwide, the industry - almost exclusively based in California - accounts for more than $6 billion in United States retail sales annually, according to the resolution’s text.

It isn’t the only surfing-related piece of legislation making its way through Sacramento. Another bill, co-authored by two Southern California assemblymen, aims to make surfing the official state sport.

Along the North Coast, with its rocky shoreline and chilly waters, surf culture is a little sleepier than in regions further south, but its popularity seems to be growing, said Sarah Dougherty, who owns Bodega’s Northern Light Surf Shop with her husband, Ben - and who together just opened the shop’s second outpost in Valley Ford.

For many surfers, Dougherty included, the official designation of Sept. 20 as “California Surfing Day” is a little gimmicky, but, she agreed, anything that brings attention to the ocean is probably a good thing.

“I think it’s positive in lots of ways,” she said. “Of course, as a surfer, you’re always wanting to keep numbers down a little bit, as far as crowds go.”

On the North Coast, empty breaks are easier to come by and local surfers like it that way, keeping prized surf spots close to their chests. When people ask Bolinas’ 2 Mile Surf Shop owner Drew Reinstein his opinion of where to head, he plays clueless.

Most Sonoma County residents already know about Bodega Bay’s Salmon Creek Beach - powerful wave, best on big west swells - and Doran Beach - good for beginners, best when there’s a south swell.

Then there’s Dillon Beach, west of Tomales, and “The Patch” in Bolinas. Both are options surfers feel so-so about sharing. Try to ask about other, lesser-known spots, though, and conversations can quickly sour.

“To me, that’s part of the adventure,” Reinstein said. “Go find it, learn how to figure it out and go get wet.”