California: the Golden State is intrinsically connected to surfing | Photo: Shutterstock

September 20 will forever be known as California Surfing Day.

The date has been introduced in the Golden State legislature to celebrate the California surfing lifestyle and honor the history, culture, and future of the sport.

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 122 was proposed by California State Senator Janet Nguyen and was unanimously approved by all members of the state's upper house.

The public announcement was made by Senator Nguyen, city officials, and surf legends in the Huntington Beach Pier while pro surfers competed at the 2018 US Open of Surfing.

"There's no doubt surfing has become part of Huntington Beach's identity, and I am personally very proud to have helped honor a sport that has given so much to our community," said Janet Nguyen.

"Since surfing was brought to California's coast in the 19th century, the sport has transcended beyond the oceans to impact our language, music, fashion, and art. Surfing is a part of the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our State."

California: A Surfing State

According to the bill, California has the largest ocean economy in the United States, and the US surf industry generates annual retail sales of over $6 billion.

The Golden State's coastline, with its 1,100 miles of coastal areas and beaches, generates $1.15 trillion in economic activity annually.

Malibu, Huntington Beach, Mavericks, Trestles, and Rincon are some of the best surf spots in California and attract thousands of national and international wave riders every year.

The United States has approximately 3.3 million surfers who spend between $1.9 and $3.3 billion each year on surf trips around the country.

Learn why Huntington Beach is known as Surf City USA.

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