Photo submission period:
December 1 – May 1, 2026
Awards Ceremony:
Wednesday May 20, 4-6 PM
A.R. Gurrey Jr. Photo Competition
2025 Winners
Ready to see your photography make waves? The A. R. Gurrey Jr. Surf Photography Competition invites middle school and high school students to dive into the world where art, ocean, and storytelling collide. If you love photography, creativity, the coast, or the influence of surf culture, this is your chance to step behind the lens and show the world how you see it.
Imagine a news story, magazine article, or social media feed with no images—photos don’t just enhance a narrative, they are the narrative. They grab attention, spark emotion, and reveal moments words can’t capture. In today’s media world, a powerful photo can change everything. So, bring your creativity, your curiosity, and your passion for photojournalism and the surf world—capture the energy of the ocean and let your work ride the spotlight.
Past Events
What
Submit a photograph in a category that meets the category requirements.
- Surf Action from the Land
- Surf Action from the Water
- Seascapes/Lineups
- Portraits of Surfers
- Boards, Equipment and & Surf Cars
- Environmental Awareness & Ocean Activism
Each student may submit two original photographs, in the same or different categories (each submission must be done separately).
Who
This contest is open to students that have interest in the arts, photojournalism, surf culture, environment, or surfing.
- Middle or high school student
- Affiliated with a school, club or group (surf club, surf shop team, after school art program, etc.)
- Located in the state of California close enough to attend awards in Oceanside, CA.
When
Contest Timeline:
- Submission Acceptance open: December 1, 2025
- Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026 (closes at midnight pacific)
- Notification of Selection Results:
May 6, 2026 - Awards Presentation: May 20, 2026
