Scholastic Surf Series (SSS) is a school-based surf competition program that gives students the chance to compete in organized surf events while representing their schools.
On August 12, 2010, the Western Surfing Association (WSA) proudly announced the launch of a new scholastic competition series designed for middle and high school surf teams across Southern California. This new program, named the Scholastic Surf Series (SSS), was created to provide a professionally managed platform where school surf teams from San Diego to Santa Barbara could compete in high-quality, organized events.
Building on the WSA’s long-standing reputation for excellence, the SSS delivers the same standard of professional judging, structured event operations, and a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere that WSA competitors have come to expect.
To best serve the state’s coastal communities, the series is divided into three regions:
San Diego
Orange County
Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Each region features a full season of five competitions, culminating in the State Championship, where both middle school and high school teams compete for top honors.
SSS competitions include nine divisions, covering high school and middle school teams in each regional section.
Team rosters reflect a balance of skill and inclusion:
High School Teams: Six to nine shortboard men, three longboard men, two to three shortboard women, two to three longboard women, and one coed bodyboarder.
Middle School Teams: Nine shortboard boys, three longboard boys, two shortboard girls, two longboard girls, and three coed bodyboarders.
The Scholastic Surf Series is led by Administrative Director Sue Lister, who brings extensive experience from her years coaching school surf teams in Orange County and San Diego, as well as serving as Administrative and Executive Director of the Interscholastic Surfing Federation (ISF). Working alongside her is Competition Director Carolyn Krammer, a lifelong surfer involved in the sport since 1963, whose leadership experience includes directing events for the Women’s International Surfing Association (WISA), the United States Surfing Federation (USSF) Western Region, the ISF, and the WSA.
Together, they have built the Scholastic Surf Series into a respected cornerstone of California’s surf community — nurturing student-athletes, promoting teamwork, and inspiring the next generation to compete with integrity and passion.
Scholastic Surf Series (SSS) is a school-based surf competition program that gives students the chance to compete in organized surf events while representing their schools. It promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and ocean safety while helping young surfers grow their skills in a fun, competitive environment.
