For decades, Santa Barbara has attracted and cultivated a mélange of surf innovators. From board shapers like Renny Yater, Al Merrick, Matt Moore and George Greenough, who have taken shaping to a whole new level, to surfers like Bobby Martinez, Chris Brown and Tom Curren, whose unique styles have stood the test of time. There is a certain element to “Santa Barbara Surf Culture,” combining tradition with radical innovation, that has played an influential role in the international surf scene for more than 50 years.
The 6th Annual Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival celebrates this rich surf history and the diverse storytelling of filmmakers, artists, shapers and surfers over three days, November 12–14, 2026.
Opening night will take place at the Arlington Theatre on November 12, with additional festival venues for November 13 and 14 to be announced.
Visit the Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival website for the latest lineup, venue announcements and ticket information.