Rincon Classic: Surfing the Queen of the Coast in California

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – The Rincon Classic takes place at a location considered a local gem.

Some call it the "Queen of the Coast" as it is regarded as one of the best and most beautiful surf spots in California.

It is near the Ventura and Santa Barbara County line.

Part of it is a California state park, while another section is a Santa Barbara County park.

Visitors can park for free and either hike down a path on one side or take the stairs on the other.

That made it easy for people to enjoy the Rincon Classic on a busy weekend at both parks.

California State Beach Park workers monitored the crowd over the weekend.

Park aide Jake Pacheco, of Ventura, discovered the area through his job.

“It is one of those hidden ones that not everyone knows about—maybe Ventura locals, of course, and Carpinteria and Santa Barbara locals as well," Pacheco said.

A free shuttle bus helped surfers and their friends get to the location off Bates Road and U.S. 101.

Both parks will be busy again in March.

On March 15, the Groundswell Society will host the 27th Rincon Invitational.

The contest awards surfers for sharing the waves.

On Sunday, they shared the waves with dolphins seen swimming nearby.

For more information, visit California State Parks, Santa Barbara County, Groundswell Society, and Rincon Classic.