Ventura County, CA - The Naval Base Ventura County Surf Contest presented for the first time by the Navy Region South West Sustainable Solid Waste Program will showcase some of the best surfers in Southern California.

The contest, which will be held Aug. 18-19 beginning at 7 a.m. daily is free and open to the public. This is an exciting opportunity for the surfing community to access some of the best waves Southern California has to offer. The event draws international surfing champions from around the globe, and 150 contestants are expected to ride the waves.

The surf contest will feature military competitors from all the armed forces. Military competitors will range the junior enlisted ranks to senior officers. Three-time winner Matt Merel of the U.S. Coast Guard returns to defend his title for a fourth consecutive year. Local Ventura professionals Dane Reynolds and Cory Arrambide, along with aerial innovator Christian Flecher, surfer ambassador Mary Osborne and Surfing Magazine’s 2011 Shaper of the Year Robert Weiner will display their talents at this year’s event.

There will be live music throughout the day, featuring surf, rock and jazz performers on Saturday and reggae/soul/ska bands Sunday, culminating with a performance by Reggae Hall of Fame artist Pato Banton. A variety of vendor booths will be open during the event and food will available for purchase.

The Las Posas Road gate at NBVC Point Mugu will be open 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. both event days for visitors. All guests will be directed to a parking lot and then shuttled to and from the event. The public is allowed to bring cameras to photograph the contest, however, the maximum focal length is not to exceed 100 mm and photos may not be taken anywhere except the beach/contest area.

All media and members of the public using lenses at or above 100 mm in focal length will register with Public Affairs the day of the event and have all photos reviewed prior to leaving for the day.

For more information, please call NBVC Public Affairs at 805-989-8095 or 805-989-9234.