Surfside Beach to host first annual ocean expo

SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. – The Town of Surfside Beach is hosting its first annual Ocean Expo in August.

According to a press release, the event will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. August 15th and 16th, on the beach between 13th Avenue South and Melody Lane.

The expo gives local water sports businesses (surfing, kite boarding, wind surfing, ocean kayaking, sailing, standup paddle boarding) an opportunity to showcase their products and services in conjunction with the Guy Daniels Memorial Surfoff.

Jim Daniels, father of Guy Daniels, is delighted to have the township participate by offering an expo.

“Clearly, this event will enhance our surfoff simply by drawing a larger, more diverse crowd to the event. In turn, that will help us promote the mission of the Guy Daniels Foundation, which is to assist the youth of Surfside Beach and the surrounding areas.”

The surfoff, an annual two-day fund-raiser held in August, supports scholarships for local students, an annual Lifeguard of the Year award and medical needs administered by Horry County School nurses.

To date, nearly $20,000 has been raised in support of these programs.

The surfoff competition, which is open to males and females of all ages, youth to seniors, will be held 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 15 and 9 a.m. to finish (approximately 4 p.m.) Aug. 16 on the beach at 13th Avenue South. 

Three to five races are planned each day, with the sailboats racing to Myrtle Beach and back to Surfside Beach. The event includes the sale of hot dogs and T-shirts and raffle of surf-related items.

Participating businesses such as the Sail and Ski Connection will have a tent on the beach near the contest stage to demonstrate their products and services.

In addition, the Surfrider Foundation will hold a surfing clinic, offering lessons and tips for surfers of all levels. 

“The event is an expo, however, and is not a festival focused on sales,” said Mayor Allen Deaton.

“I feel this is an excellent way for Surfside to advocate our philosophy of respecting the beach while promoting all the activities that can be enjoyed along our shoreline. It’s just another way to showcase our most valuable asset, the Atlantic Ocean.”

For more information, visit SurfsideBeach.org or call (843) 913-6111.