A. R. Gurrey, Jr. Surf Photography Contest Submission
This competition carries the name of A. R. Gurrey, Jr. (1874 – c.1927). He was the first person to photograph surfers in the early 20th century. A pioneer in water photography, he used boats and canoes to get closer to the action. He was also a surfer himself, so knew how and where to capture surf riders gliding across Waikiki’s waves.
Capture the story of the wave. The A. R. Gurrey Jr. Surf Photography Contest invites California middle and high school students to step behind the lens and explore how images shape the way we see the ocean, surf culture, and the communities around us. From action shots in the lineup to quiet moments on the shore, your photograph can document, inspire, and speak for itself—just like the work of early surf photographer A. R. Gurrey Jr., who helped define how surfing was first seen in print. Students, teachers, or parents, questions please email: csm@surfmuseum.org
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
Surf Action from the Land
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.
Surf Action from 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.
Seascapes / Lineups
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.
Portraits of Surfers
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.
Boards, Equipment, and Surf Cars
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.
Environmental Awareness / Ocean Activism
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: January 6
- Submission Deadline: May 1
- Finalists Announced: May 6
- Award Ceremony: May 20, 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.
