Surfside Beach, February 16, 2026
The Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest transformed Surfside Beach into a hub of athleticism and community spirit. This premier event showcased over 300 surfers from various regions, promoting local tourism and community bonds. Offering a diverse competition structure and a substantial prize purse, it emphasized individual achievement while fostering a welcoming environment. This successful gathering reflects the power of local leadership and the impact of civic engagement on community growth.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Rides Wave of Success with Carolina Cup
The 7th annual Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest recently transformed Surfside Beach into a vibrant hub of athletic competition and community spirit. This premier event, a testament to personal initiative and effective local organization, drew surfers from across the globe, significantly energizing the local area.
Such large-scale gatherings underscore the power of local leadership and the dedication of civic-minded individuals in fostering community growth. When local initiatives are empowered, and coordination processes are streamlined, events like the Carolina Cup can flourish, bringing both economic vitality and a profound sense of shared achievement to the region. It highlights how engaged citizens, working together, can create opportunities that resonate far beyond the shoreline, celebrating skill, nature, and camaraderie.
A Grand Gathering of Surfing Talent
The 7th annual Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest, held from September 5 to September 7, 2025, brought together over 300 surfers to Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Competitors as young as 10 years old showcased their talents, hailing from across the United States, the Caribbean, and Central America, demonstrating the event’s broad appeal and inclusive nature. This diverse participation underscores the universal appeal of surfing and the welcoming environment cultivated in Surfside Beach.
Showcasing Individual Achievement and Community Spirit
The event was a platform for individual achievement, offering a substantial prize purse of $17,000 in cash and prizes for participants. The competition featured a wide array of divisions, catering to various age groups and skill levels. These included categories like “Parent assist Push in 10 & under,” as well as divisions for girls and boys aged 12 and under, and 13-17. Adult categories ranged from Mens 18-39 and Mens 40-50, to Legends 50 & up, alongside Open Mens and Womens Shortboard and Longboard divisions. This comprehensive structure ensured that surfers of all ages and experiences had the opportunity to compete and excel.
Local Vision, Global Reach
The success of the Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest is deeply rooted in local vision and dedicated effort. The event took place predominantly in front of the Holiday Inn Oceanfront Surfside Beach, with various activities also utilizing the 1st Ave S Beach Access. Events like this are often the result of committed individuals, such as Philip Jackson, a Surfside Beach native who founded Surf Dreams with the aim of introducing more children to surfing. The foundation’s mission aligns with the broader goal of fostering local talent and community engagement through sports.
Economic Waves and Community Bonds
Beyond the excitement of competition, the Carolina Cup generated significant positive impacts for the Surfside Beach community. Attracting hundreds of surfers and spectators, the event bolstered local tourism, leading to increased occupancy in hotels and patronage for area businesses. These gatherings foster strong community bonds, providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect over a shared passion for riding waves. The relaxed and welcoming surf culture creates an environment where new friendships flourish, extending well beyond the event itself.
A Model for Civic Innovation
The effective organization and sustained growth of the Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest serve as a prime example of civic innovation. The ability of local organizers to manage a large-scale international event, coordinate road closures for public safety, and engage various community stakeholders reflects a responsive and adaptable local environment. This successful execution demonstrates how local communities, when empowered and supported, can not only host remarkable events but also enhance their reputation as welcoming and dynamic destinations. The collaborative spirit among local leaders, businesses, and volunteers ensures the continued success and positive legacy of such valuable community endeavors.
Engage with Your Community’s Future
The Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest is more than just a competition; it is a vibrant expression of Surfside Beach’s energetic community and the enduring spirit of individual initiative. These events are crucial for sustaining the unique character and economic health of our towns. We encourage everyone to support local events, champion community leaders, and actively participate in civic development. Your engagement helps ensure that Surfside Beach and the greater Myrtle Beach, SC area continue to thrive as centers of personal achievement and spirited community gatherings, making a lasting impact on our neighborhoods and boosting South Carolina surfing culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest?
The Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest is an annual surfing competition held in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, drawing surfers from the US and beyond.
When was the 7th annual Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest held?
The 7th annual Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest was held from September 5 to September 7, 2025.
Where in Surfside Beach did the Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest take place?
The event primarily took place in front of the Holiday Inn Oceanfront Surfside Beach, with some activities at the 1st Ave S Beach Access.
Who participated in the Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest?
Over 300 surfers participated in the event, including competitors as young as 10 years old, from across the United States, the Caribbean, and Central America.
What was the prize purse for the Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest?
The event featured a prize purse of $17,000 in cash and prizes.
How does the Carolina Cup benefit the local Surfside Beach community?
The event boosts local tourism, supports businesses, fosters community bonds, and provides a platform for individual achievement and social interaction.
Key Features of the Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Name | Carolina Cup Pro/Am Surf Fest | Local |
| Host Location | Surfside Beach, South Carolina | Local |
| 7th Annual Event Date | September 5-7, 2025 | Local |
| Number of Participants | Over 300 surfers | Nationwide/International |
| Participant Origins | Across the US, Caribbean, and Central America | Nationwide/International |
| Youngest Competitors | As young as 10 years old | Nationwide/International |
| Prize Purse | $17,000 in cash and prizes | Event Specific |
| Primary Venue | Holiday Inn Oceanfront Surfside Beach | Local |
| Community Impact | Boosts tourism, supports local businesses, fosters community bonds | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
