Two California politicians, Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) and Assembly majority leader Ian Calderon (D-Whittier), have drafted a bill to make surfing the official sport of California. The co-sponsors, who are avid surfers themselves, claim the sport not only encapsulates the spirit of California, but also generates over $6 billion in annual retail sales.
“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 is an iconic California sport and an important part of the multibillion dollar California coastal economy, particularly in the tourism and recreation industries,” said Muratsuchi in the official press release.