The 2026 Rincon Classic featured a rare, unprecedented reversal of its initial “on” call for the weekend of January 31–February 1. Due to a slow-moving weather system, organizers reversed course and moved the contest to February 7-8, which produced some of the best overhead-to-double-overhead surf in the event’s history.
Contest director Chris Keet, supported by Britt Merrick and community stakeholders, reversed the initial call after the anticipated swell for the first weekend failed to materialize. In contrast, the following weekend promised and delivered ideal conditions. The delay allowed the competition to run in “classic,” high-performance, and “perfect” surf, which many deemed the best day of waves in the contest’s history.
The rescheduled dates produced intense, consistent, and clean, double-overhead surf, a rare feat for the competition.
A shout-out to the Carpinteria community is due for keeping the stoke alive, along with the event sponsors: the dedicated volunteers and every single competitor who participated.
The Rincon Classic is the oldest and most iconic surf contest in Santa Barbara County’s long and storied surf history. You can relive the experience of the 2026 event—check out the official results, highlights, and epic shots by featured photographer Hayden Garfield at rinconclassic.com.
Save the Date for the 2027 Rincon Classic! Details for the winter event will be announced soon.
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