Real Surf, Real Community: Sunny California Proudly Presents the 2026 Women On Waves Surf Contest

Presented by Sunny California | October 17–18, 2026 | Capitola Beach

The Women On Waves (WOW) Surf Contest and Open Water Swim returns to Capitola Beach on October 17–18, 2026, bringing a massive weekend of local competition, ocean sports, and coastal community culture to the Capitola Esplanade.

This year, Sunny California is proud to support as the official lead sponsor. Produced by Ola Chica, the annual event packs longboard heats, open-water racing, a paddle relay, and a festival marketplace into two action-filled days.

Three Decades of Local Roots & Community Impact

Since it all started in 1996 by a group of guys from the West Wind Surf Club who saw inequity in the sport and set out to make a change, Women On Waves has evolved through decades of dedicated community effort. From Sally Smith stepping up with Paradise Surf Shop in 2006 to keep the spark alive, through various hiatuses, a pandemic-era virtual pivot in 2020, and its modern resurgence led by Aylana Zanville of Ola Chica in 2018, WOW has remained a cornerstone of the Capitola surf calendar.

More than just a contest, WOW has always operated as a powerful community fundraiser. Over the years, the event has raised over $87,000 for local causes, supporting organizations like WomenCARE, The Wahine Project, Brown Girl Surf, Groundswell Coastal Ecology, and Sea Hugger. For 2026, proceeds and community efforts proudly support our beneficiary, Esperanza Community Farms.

“Stoke means something different to everyone. To us, stoke can be that moment your heart starts to beat a little faster as the swell lines up, the cheers from the lineup when you catch a wave, and the connection, (smells and sounds) to the ocean that stays with you long after you leave the water.”

2026 Weekend Schedule & Divisions

The 2026 weekend features a full lineup of ocean events, including a longboard surf contest, an open-water swim, a boogie boarding competition, a 2m stand-up paddle relay team race, and an ocean-inspired festival marketplace.

Check out the division breakdowns—including the new-for-2026 Capitola Queens (all ages advanced group) and Fancy Novice categories—over on the Contest Info page:

• Surf Contest: Saturday, Oct 17 – Sunday, Oct 18, 2026
• Stand-Up Paddle Relay Race: Saturday, Oct 17 at 2:30 PM*
• Open-Water Swim: Sunday, Oct 18 at 9:00 AM*
• Boogie Board Session: Sunday, Oct 18 at 11:30 AM*
• Giggly Groms Heat: Sunday, Oct 18 at 1:30 PM*

*Note: Schedule is subject to change depending on ocean conditions.

Why SUNNY CALIFORNIA IS Stoked to Be Involved

For us, stepping up as the lead presenting sponsor for Women On Waves is about backing the heartbeat of our local coast. This event is pure energy—from the first light in the lineup to the community cheering on the Esplanade. We live for this culture, and being able to support the competitors, the local momentum, and the incredible work done for Esperanza Community Farms makes this partnership an absolute no-brainer.