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MANHATTAN BEACH, CA, UNITED STATES, September 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Free Surf Contest and Family Beach Day Returns to El Porto Sept. 27
Fifth annual South Bay Legends event brings games, prizes and giveaways for kids, with auction proceeds funding treatment for local residents in need

South Bay Legends will hold its fifth annual Memorial Free Surf Contest and family beach day on [Sunday], Sept. 27, at El Porto, 42nd Street, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The day is built for families. Alongside the surf competition, the beach fills with games, prizes and free giveaways for kids, and there is no cost to attend or to enter the contest. There has never been an entry fee, and there is no prize money.

"It's a day on the beach," said Sam McCowan Founder of South Bay Legends. "It's a time to get together, have fun, and give away a bunch of free stuff to the kiddos. We lost people who were a big part of this community, and this is how we celebrate them."

At noon, everything stops for a paddle-out. Surfers form a circle beyond the break and say the names of friends from the South Bay surf community who died too early — people who taught kids to surf here, ran heats here, and were part of what makes this stretch of coast what it is.

The event is a celebration rather than a memorial service, organizers say. The paddle-out honors the people the community lost; the rest of the day is spent doing what those people loved.

Money raised through the day's silent auction funds treatment for South Bay residents who cannot otherwise afford it — veterans, people fighting addiction and alcoholism, and people living with brain injury and emotional trauma. Auction items include surfboards, gear and packages donated by local businesses, and bidding is open to anyone, on-site or online.

Contest divisions are open to all ages and ability levels, from groms to surfers in their 50s and beyond.

Registration is free and open now at southbaylegends.com. Businesses interested in sponsoring or donating auction items can reach the organization at sam@southbaylegends.com.

About South Bay Legends

South Bay Legends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Torrance, California, that funds treatment for South Bay residents who cannot afford it. The organization is run by volunteers from the local surf community and holds its annual free surf contest and family beach day at El Porto each fall. EIN 42-4054501. More information: southbaylegends.com.

sam mccowan
South Bay Legends
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