OCEANSIDE, Calif. - The Super Girl Surf Festival, the world’s largest women’s surf competition, made its highly anticipated return to Oceanside Friday through Sunday, delivering three days of world-class surfing, live music, and celebration of women across many spheres.
For 19 years, the Super Girl Surf Festival has been an amazing display of women’s surf culture, and this year’s edition was no exception. On the water, fans were treated to a weekend full of thrilling surfing from athletes all over the globe. The event was capped off by one of the most exciting finishes in the event’s history, as Costa Rican surfer Leilani McGonagle captured her first ever Super Girl Cape, narrowly defeating two-time champion and local legend Alyssa Spencer of Encinitas in a 14.10 to 13.43 showdown.
“I really wanted to win this cape for a long time,” said McGonagle, overcome with emotion. “I’m happy that dreams do come true.”
For Spencer, the week was about more than just results. It was about being part of something special and igniting a love for surfing in the young girls attending, just as the event had done for her when she was growing up. Before the festival began, she reflected on how much the event had shaped her journey.
“The Super Girl Pro is such a special event for me. I grew up as a little girl on the beach, asking for autographs from my idols and watching them compete here every year,” she said. “This event truly means so much to me, and I hope to inspire the next generation of girls the same way my heroes inspired me.”
While thrilling surfing was the main event, the true magic of the Super Girl Surf Festival happens beyond the waves. The festival serves as a gathering of community, putting a spotlight on the incredible achievements of women both in and out of the water. In addition to surfing, this year celebrated a wide range of women’s sports, with events like flag football and beach volleyball highlighting the talents of young women from all across the world. The festival also included showcases like the Incline Jam Session, hosted by women-owned skate shop Zoni, which gave young skaters a platform to show off their skills on a half pipe in front of a crowd.
Beyond the competition, the Super Girl Surf Festival creates space for connection between the community and local businesses. Vendors lined the area near the Oceanside Pier, engaging directly with attendees through conversations, giveaways, and hands-on experiences. From unique crafts to sustainable surf gear, and plenty of delicious food, the marketplace became a gathering point where people could mingle, try new things, and celebrate women together.
But the fun didn’t stop there. Musicians kept the vibe electric, with concerts fueling the party and adding an extra spark to the weekend’s celebrations. Artists like Anora and Turning Jane brought electrifying performances to the festival, adding yet another way the annual festival highlights women. Everywhere you turned there were women showcasing their talents to Oceanside, and to the world.
The Super Girl Surf Festival is a celebration of women’s strength, creativity, and community. The festival continues to grow as a symbol of women’s empowerment as it showcases the women — athletes, artists, and business owners — who make the world shine. After 19 years, the festival’s mission stands firm: highlight elite talent, celebrate women in every arena, and keep pushing the waves of progress forward.