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Annual Surf Events in Cocoa Beach 🏄🏼

Q: What is Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach?

Surfing Santas is a Christmas Eve tradition where hundreds of costumed surfers gather on Cocoa Beach. The event combines surfing with costumes, entertainment and charitable fundraising. For 2026, the main event is scheduled for December 24 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at 3 Minutemen Causeway.

From competitive surf contests to one-of-a-kind beach traditions, annual surf events in Cocoa Beach celebrate the destination’s deep connection to surfing. Throughout the year, surfers and spectators can experience some of Florida’s most established surfing events, including the Easter Surf Festival, the NKF Rich Salick Pro/Am Surf Festival and the holiday favorite Surfing Santas. Whether you’re planning to compete, watch experienced surfers take on the Atlantic or simply experience Cocoa Beach surf culture, use this guide to discover annual events worth adding to your calendar.

March/April

Ron Jon Easter Surfing Festival

One of the most popular surfing events at Cocoa Beach. This annual tradition brings surfers and spectators together for exciting surf competitions, beach activities and Florida sunshine, making Easter weekend a great time to experience Cocoa Beach’s legendary surf culture.

Easter Sunday

East Coast Dog Surfing Festival

This unique experience brings together four-legged surfers take to the waves. Held at Lori Wilson Park, this family-friendly event combines surfing, dogs and beachside fun for an entertaining addition to the annual lineup of Cocoa Beach surf festivals.

Spring

ESA Surf Contests

These competitions bring together surfers across multiple ages and skill levels, offering visitors a chance to experience competitive surfing and the local surf community at one of Florida’s most iconic East Coast surfing destinations.

June

Surfers for Autism Cocoa Beach Surf Festival

Participants with autism and other developmental differences can experience surfing alongside volunteers, creating a memorable event that celebrates accessibility, community and Cocoa Beach’s welcoming surf culture.

Summer

Waterman's Challenge Surf Contest

A longtime tradition in the local surf community, this contest brings competitive surfing to the waves of Cocoa Beach. Surfers compete across multiple divisions while spectators enjoy the action from shore, making this established contest a highlight of the area’s annual surfing events in Cocoa Beach.

Late Summer/ Fall

NFK Rich Salick Surf Festival

This event combines competitive surfing with a meaningful cause. This long-running surf event attracts competitors and spectators for days of beachside action while supporting the National Kidney Foundation, making it an important tradition within Cocoa Beach’s vibrant surfing community. The 2026 event is scheduled for October 10 - 12 at Cocoa Beach Pier.

December 24

Surfing Santas

Celebrate the holidays Cocoa Beach style at Surfing Santas, the famous Christmas Eve tradition that sends hundreds of costumed surfers into the Atlantic. Visitors gather along the beach to watch Santas ride the waves, creating one of the most recognizable and festive annual events in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The 2026 event is scheduled for December 24 at 7:30 AM at 3 Minutemen Causeway.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surfing Events in Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach hosts several recurring surfing events throughout the year. Notable events include the Easter Surf Festival, NKF Rich Salick Pro/Am Surf Festival and Surfing Santas on Christmas Eve. Individual dates and schedules can change each year, so visitors should confirm details with event organizers before attending.

Major Cocoa Beach surf events take place at different points throughout the year. The Easter Surf Festival is associated with Easter weekend, while Surfing Santas takes place annually on December 24. The NKF Rich Salick Pro/Am Surf Festival is another recurring event; its dates should be checked annually.

The Easter Surf Festival is a long-running Cocoa Beach surfing tradition. Westgate's history of Cocoa Beach notes that the first Easter Surfing Festival was held in 1964. The event has featured surfing competitions and other beach activities over Easter weekend.

The NKF Rich Salick Pro/Am Surf Festival is an annual charity surfing event featuring professional and amateur competition. The 2026 festival is scheduled for October 10–12 at Cocoa Beach Pier and includes surf heats, exhibitions and additional community events benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of Florida.

Surfing Santas is a Christmas Eve tradition where hundreds of costumed surfers gather on Cocoa Beach. The event combines surfing with costumes, entertainment and charitable fundraising. For 2026, the main event is scheduled for December 24 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at 3 Minutemen Causeway.

Some are. Surfing Santas, for example, lists free admission for its 2026 event. Admission, registration and activity fees can vary by event, however, so spectators and competitors should check the individual event's official information before visiting.

Yes, some Cocoa Beach events include amateur divisions. The NKF Rich Salick Pro/Am Surf Festival specifically features both professional and amateur surfing competitions. Registration requirements vary by event and division.

Locations vary by event. Surf competitions and festivals have been held at locations such as Cocoa Beach Pier, Lori Wilson Park and the downtown Cocoa Beach oceanfront. Always verify the current year's location before heading to the beach.

Yes, Cocoa Beach has a significant place in East Coast surfing history. Westgate's history of Cocoa Beach describes the area as the “Surfing Capital of the East Coast” and notes its connection to surfing figures including Cocoa Beach native and 11-time world champion Kelly Slater.

You can stay at Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort which is conveniently locateders direct beach access. The resort also provides complimentary transportation to Cocoa Beach Pier, making it convenient for events taking place around the Pier.

Spacious Accomodations in Westgate Cocoa Beach

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