About this event
The National Scholastic Surfing Association brings the third stop of its 2026–27 Southwest Conference Open Season to Ponto in Carlsbad for two days of high-level scholastic surfing on October 17–18, 2026. NSSA describes Open Season as its highest level of regional competition and limits it to student surfers. The live organizer schedule lists Carlsbad / Ponto, while the active NSSA entry shop currently offers Event #3 in 11 divisions spanning all-ages Men’s, Women’s and Longboard fields plus U16, U14, U12 and U10 age groups. Registration is open to current NSSA members rather than invitation-only: choose the appropriate Southwest Open division and Event #3 in the official shop. Current per-event prices are $145 for most divisions, $125 for Mini Grom and Mini Grom Girls, and $115 for U10 Boys and U10 Girls; membership is separate. The regular entry deadline is Tuesday, October 13 at 5:00 PM Pacific. NSSA says late entry may remain possible at a higher price only if space is available, so the absence of regular registration after that time must not be treated automatically as a closed contest. Competitors must physically surf five of the seven Southwest Open events to qualify for the 2027 West Coast Championships, with the series rules explaining limited make-up options. The public may watch from the beach without an event ticket. Exact contest-bank placement, daily start times, heat draws, check-in instructions and awards timing are not yet published; NSSA can move dates or locations for surf, weather or operational reasons, so entrants should check the organizer schedule and late-breaking news before travel.
At a glance
Open Season is NSSA’s highest regional level and is open to student surfers who hold current NSSA membership. It is not described as invitation-only. Current 2026–27 shop divisions use age cutoffs as of January 1, 2027. Competitors seeking West Coast Championships qualification must physically surf five of the seven Southwest Open events; the organizer publishes limited make-up rules.
open
Ponto Beach
In person
Event links
NSSA 2026–27 Southwest Open live schedule
NSSA Southwest Open schedule page
NSSA Southwest Open entry shop
Southwest Open Men’s entry product and Event #3 variant
NSSA — How to Compete
NSSA membership
California State Parks — South Carlsbad State Beach
Visit Carlsbad — South Ponto Beach
California coast beach-access resources
Directions to South Ponto Beach
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