A. R. Gurrey, Jr. Surf Photography Contest Submission

Photo submission period: December 1 – May 1, 2026

Awards Ceremony: Wednesday May 27, 4-6 PM

How To Enter

Step 1:

Gather information for submission form.

  • Your category image and export it as a JPG or PNG.
  • Name your file using the required format.
  • Write a short caption (1–3 sentences) telling the story behind your photo.
  • Basic contestant information
  • Grade
  • School attending
  • Parent contact information
  • Confirmation parent/guardian or teacher approval
  • Educator/Coach/Teacher name and email

Step 2:

Complete submission form below.

  • By entering, you grant permission for your work to be displayed in online galleries, exhibits, or contest promotions – with full credit to you.
  • Once submitted, you cannot replace your photo.

Step 3:

That’s it!

  • Congratulations on your submission into the contest!

Categories

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the movement of the sport as it is happening. Successful images in this category will display dynamic action and will likely showcase the athletes on the ocean. Creativity is encouraged, and there are many traditional approaches to the practice of shooting action surf photos, however submissions in this category must be taken from a vantage point on land or out of the water.

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the movement of the sport as it is happening. Successful images in this category will display dynamic action and will likely showcase the athletes on the ocean. Creativity is encouraged, and there are many traditional approaches to the practice of shooting action surf photos, however submissions in this category must be taken from a vantage point on or below the surface of the water. No drone photography in this category.

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the beauty or intrigue of the ocean itself. Great seascapes and lineup photographs are usually a matter of advanced planning, weather prediction, and possibly getting on the road an hour or two before sunrise – or just blind luck. It’s the classic search for the perfect wave, a surf lifestyle tradition.

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the people who surf. Who are these people? What are their stories? Friends, families, the employee who runs the local surf shop, even famous surfers are perfect subjects for this project.

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the tools and objects associated with the sport. Even cars play a big role in the culture of surf. As the primary focal point of the museum’s exhibits and collections, surfboards are an important reason for the museum’s existence. How can you use light, angles, and composition to showcase these items in a manner that draws attention and celebrates their style and function? Consider approaching these subjects with a more creative or artistic approach.

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the importance of the ocean or coastal ecosystem and the negative effects of the global climate crisis. Related photos might include images of the misuse of surf spots, or of activists and the positive actions they are taking to protect our shores.

Guidelines

Eligibility

  • Open to students in grades 6–12.
  • Student must live in California close enough to attend awards at the California Surf Museum.
  • Affiliated with a school (or home school), club or group (surf club, surf shop team, after school art program, etc.)
  • Each student may submit two original photographs, in the same or different categories (each submission must be done separately).
  • To receive prizes contestants must be present at the Award Ceremony.

Technical Requirements

  • File format: JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png).
  • Minimum resolution: 2000 pixels on the longest side.
  • Light editing allowed (cropping, exposure, color correction).
  • Entry must be the student’s original work.
  • No AI-generated images.

Important Dates

  • Entries Open: December 1
  • Submission Deadline: May 1
  • Finalists Announced: May 6
  • Award Ceremony: May 27, 4-7 PM

Awards & Recognitions

  • Selected winners will be displayed online and in the museum.
  • Featured on partner sites or social media.
  • Recognized with certificates and prizes.

Submission Form

Our 2026 Submission window has ended. Questions please email: csm@surfmuseum.org