CA Lawmakers Seek To Declare Surfing A State Sport

CALIFORNIA -- Two California lawmakers want to make 2018 the year where the Golden State declares surfing the official sport. In an effort to hang loose, Assemblymen Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) and Ian Calderon (D-Whittier) introduced this week Assembly Bill 1782.

In a statement to the public, Muratsuchi said "nothing represents the California Dream better than surfing, riding the waves and living in harmony with the beautiful beaches and ocean of our Golden State."

"Surfing in California has a rich history and culture," Muratsuchi said. "The surfing lifestyle attracts people from all around the world and generates over $6 billion in annual retail sales. Surfing is an iconic California sport and an important part of the multi-billion dollar California coastal economy, particularly in the tourism and recreation industries."

Calderon said surfing made him the person he is today.

“Growing up surfing not only had a significant impact on who I am as a person, but also taught me at a young age to appreciate and cherish our beautiful coastline that we are so fortunate to have here in California," Calderon said.

In a 2016 article by Newsweek, it was estimated that 2.5 million people in the U.S. surf with the most surfers in California.

--Photo via Pixabay user Kanenori