Central Coast surfers and doctors join forces to battle cancer

–Longboard surf contest and weekend benefit for cancer “Surfing for Hope,” will return Sept. 30 and October 1.

The annual surfing contest, health fair and fundraiser is held to help inspire and educate people challenged with cancer through the positive energy of surfing. All proceeds will go to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center in San Luis Obispo.

The opening ceremony will be a memorial paddle out to sea, honoring loved ones who succumbed to cancer. The paddle out group will meet at the Avila Beach Lighthouse Suites as early as 3:30 p.m, and at 4 p.m., the paddle out for will begin. The paddle out is open to all that wish to partake in the tradition. Later that evening, there will be a Luau-themed benefit reception and dinner held at Avila Light House Suites. 

The following day, on Sat. Oct.1, from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Surfing for Hope will be hosting the cancer benefit at the Pismo Beach pier in Pismo Beach. More than $160,00 has been raised since 2012 by the organization.

The increasingly popular Annual Longboard Surf Contest will be held at the Pismo Beach pier on Sat., Oct. 1. Children from the ages of 10 and up are welcomed to join the contest, and, of course, adults of all ages.

To learn more about the Surfing for Hope organization and how to purchase tickets, visit surfingforhope.org/about-us.