The annual International Surf Festival takes place in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach, with competitions in surfing, running, lifeguard dory races, sand soccer, bodysurfing, volleyball, paddleboard swimming, and more.

Participants range in age from 8 years old to the late 80’s.  The three signature events for the festival are the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, and the Charley Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament.

Other great events include a surfing contest, bodysurfing contest, beach run, paddleboard races, dory race, and youth events. The festival has hosted numerous international lifeguard teams including teams from Victoria, Australia.

 The International Surf Festival kick-off dinner is held on the Thursday prior to the start of the Lifeguard Intracrew competition on Friday night. The dinner includes the Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Medal of Valor award ceremony