Santa Cruz Longboard Union Club Invitational marks 40 years as it returns to Steamer Lane

News from Santa Cruz:

Join us in celebrating tradition, supporting local nonprofits, and honoring the timeless art of longboarding – this Memorial Day Weekend

SANTA CRUZ, CA (May 04, 2026) — The Santa Cruz Longboard Union Club Invitational, the longest-running longboard surf contest in the United States, returns to the iconic shores of Steamer Lane this Memorial Day weekend. Blending rich surf heritage with community impact, this beloved annual event is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of Santa Cruz surf culture and a powerful fundraiser supporting local nonprofit organizations.

For decades, this invitational has brought together the spirit of classic longboarding and community connection. Nearly 200 surfers from across California will gather to compete for trophies, bragging rights, and valuable points within the Coalition of Surfing Clubs. As an official invitational, participation is limited to Coalition-affiliated surf teams, ensuring a high level of competition and camaraderie among some of the state’s most dedicated longboarders.

Set against the dramatic cliffside backdrop that has defined Santa Cruz surfing since the 1930s, spectators are invited to experience the action up close. The contest takes place along West Cliff Drive, near the historic Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, offering sweeping ocean views and front-row seats to some of the best longboard surfing in the region.

Beyond the waves, the event features a vibrant vendor marketplace open Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can browse more than 14 local vendors offering handcrafted goods, including clothing, jewelry, candles, wetsuits, and other surf-inspired products—making it easy to support small businesses while enjoying the festivities. Attendees can also enjoy food and drinks from nearby Steamer Lane Supply, offering a convenient spot to fuel up between heats.

The Santa Cruz Longboard Union Club Invitational is free and open to the public. Community members and visitors alike are encouraged to come out, cheer on their favorite surfers, and take part in a weekend that highlights the heart of Santa Cruz—where surf, community, and giving back come together.

Event Details:
Location: 700 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Dates: May 23, 2026- May 24, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Admission: Free

Follow & Learn More:
Facebook: @SantaCruzLongboardUnion
Instagram: @SantaCruzLongboardUnion
YouTube: @SantaCruzLongboardUnion

About the Santa Cruz Longboard Union

The Santa Cruz Longboard Union (SCLU) is one of Santa Cruz’s premier surfing clubs, dedicated to fostering fellowship and building community through surfing in Santa Cruz. Founded in 1981, SCLU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting surf culture and community engagement through events, outreach, and competition. The mission of the Santa Cruz Longboard Union is to preserve, promote, and perpetuate the values, beliefs, and essence of surfing. SCLU is also a proud member of the Coalition of Surfing Clubs (CSC) www.surfclubs.org, an international organization representing the interests of surfing clubs throughout California and around the world. Visit us at www.santacruzlongboardunion.com, or for more information about club activities, please contact santacruzlongboardunion@gmail.com.

Media Contacts: 

Todd Skelton, SCLUMedia@gmail.com or Matt Freeman, SCLUPresident@gmail.com