About - Surf Rodeo

About Surf Rodeo

The concept has stayed the same...

Take a normal surf contest and add a cowboy twist and what do ya get? Surf Rodeo! Of course this was brought up over a few beers and some hair brain ideas... Back in 1997 J.D. and his friends thought "Why not put a spin to the boring contests?" Over the years we have added a mechanical bull, from 3 bands to over 30, Bikini Cowgirl Contest (and now Bikini Cowboy), The World's Biggest Beach Bar (Ventura only), The Biggest Cornhole Tournament on the Sand... and so much more! The #1 purpose of the Surf Rodeo is to just have FUN!

J.D. says, "Let's laugh at ourselves and have a good time"...

THE SURF RODEO TEAM

Strives to bring you a creative, interactive, relaxed event where fun always comes first. If our tasty vendor treats and our wild bucking bull on the beach don’t catch your eye, our nationally recognized musical lineup and quirky contest divisions are sure to lasso you in. From the crazy kids corral to the belly’s full of beer in our designated gardens, we’re confident there is something for each member of the family to enjoy.

The Surf Rodeo spirit

The Surf Rodeo Spirit is something quite genuine and can only be captured first hand. So ladies and gentlemen, please don’t drag your spurs. July 22nd and 23rd, 2023 will be a weekend of salty skin and sandy toes and experiencing what we are truly about. This summer, Surf Rodeo will bring together thousands of people to our new location, 10 West Harbor Blvd for some classic excitement. Surf Rodeo is a 2-day surf and music festival created for everyone to enjoy, relax with positive vibes where fun always comes first! In the spirit of celebrating fun, Surf Rodeo features some amazing Bands, competitions, rodeo games and a full-on music festival as well an outdoor vendor market for all ages to enjoy. Whether drawn by the surf, the sounds or just the spectacle of it all... Surf Rodeo has something for everyone.

The Surf Rodeo team

The Surf Rodeo team strives to bring you a creative, interactive, relaxed event where fun always comes first. If our tasty vendor treats and our wild mechanical bucking bull don’t catch your eye, our nationally recognized musical lineup and quirky contest divisions are sure to lasso you in. From the music to shopping, contests and the belly’s full of beer we’re confident there is something for each member of the family to enjoy!

Ventura, Calif

This summer, Surf Rodeo will bring together thousands of people at the iconic Ventura Pier for some classic summer excitement. Upholding a 10 year tradition, Surf Rodeo is a 2-day surf and music festival for everyone to enjoy California’s relaxed and positive vibes where fun always comes first. In the spirit of celebrating fun, Surf Rodeo will feature competitions, rodeo games and a full-on music festival as well as a kid’s corral and an outdoor street fair for all ages to enjoy. Whether drawn by the surf, by the sounds or by the overall spectacle, Surf Rodeo has something for everyone.

The Music

Surf Rodeo is proud to showcase 25 very talented bands and performers on three ocean-side stages.

The Surfing

All contestants draw straws to determine which vintage board they will ride.

The Rodeo

Whether a spectator or participant, the Surf Rodeo’s assortment of crazy competitions are sure to entertain all. From mechanical bull riding and the cornhole competition to the "greased pig" paddle contest and the hay bale obstacle race, contestants will battle it out for the coveted “Surf Rodeo Grand Champion” title and bragging rights.

The Unique Atmosphere

Adding to the fascinating juxtaposition of surfers and cowboys, Surf Rodeo will feature a general waterhole for Surf Rodeo merchandise. Also gracing Ventura’s Pier entrance will be a quirky 10-foot horseshoe that will make for a perfect photo-op for attendees.

The philanthropy

There will be live auctions and a benefit drawing at Surf Rodeo with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Ventura and a variety of non-profit organizations.

Great Food and Drinks

Between the beachside restaurants just off of South Seaward and the event-only food trucks, surfers and cowboys alike will enjoy an exciting variety of delicious foods. Plus, with two beer/wine gardens on the sand, there will be plenty to wash it all down with for those old enough to partake.

The Bikini Cowgirl Roundup

For the ladies who may be interested in a crown that involves less surf, there is the chance to be crowned Surf Rodeo’s reigning queen in this family-friendly bikini competition. Prizes include cash, swimwear, photo shoots and more.

The street fair

The outdoor street fair will feature nearly 100 vendors showcasing their local wares, craft goods and surf supplies. The possibilities are endless!

Family Fun

Surf Rodeo believes that fun is for all ages. Here, nobody has to miss out on the fun and there will even be a special Kids Corral section where children can get their faces painted and bounce around in a jumper to experience Surf Rodeo in ways that only kids can. Children 10 & under are always free.

The Rodeo

Whether a spectator or participant, the Surf Rodeo’s assortment of crazy competitions are sure to entertain all. From mechanical bull riding and the Cornhole Competition to the Greased Pig paddle contest and the Hay Bale Obstacle Course Race, contestants will battle it out for the coveted “Surf Rodeo Grand Champion” title and iconic Surf Rodeo Jackets along with bragging rights.

The Music – Surf Rodeo is proud to showcase awesome bands and performers.

The Unique Atmosphere – Adding to the fascinating juxtaposition of surfers and cowboys, Surf Rodeo will feature a general waterhole for Surf Rodeo merchandise. Also gracing the festival entrance will be a quirky 10-foot horseshoe that will make for a perfect photo-op for attendees.

The Surf

Great Food and Drinks – We offer cold Pacifico's and a fantastic Food Truck Alley. Surfers and cowboys alike will enjoy an exciting variety of delicious foods and drinks with plenty to wash it all down.

Children 10 & under are always free.

- The Bikini Cowgirl and Cowboy Contest – What can we say about this. Bikini's and Cowgirls... and Cowboys! Everybody loves this fun hour! Prizes and more!
- There's something for everyone! Music, Surf, Cornhole, Food Trucks, Shopping and summer fun!

ABOUT SURF RODEO

Surf Rodeo started as a passion project for Ventura entrepreneur, John Drury, lovingly known as JD to most of the Ventura community. Drury’s mission for Surf Rodeo was to bring the highly competitive, cut-throat, serious atmosphere of today’s surf competitions back to its relaxed roots, where fun always comes first.
"We try and remind ourselves we are all out for the same thing, to just have fun,” said John Drury, founder of Surf Rodeo. “Let's laugh at ourselves a little and bring us together through music and surfing.”