Surf Competition Series Launches March 7

The upcoming "Gulf of Mexicans" Surf and Skate Series aims to fill a void in the Alabama surf scene, which hasn't had a consistent competition series since a nonprofit-run event in 2016 and the ESA in the early 2000s. Organizer Mike "Tambo" Tamburello, a former pro surfer, returned to the Gulf Coast after 12 years in California and noticed a decline in the local surf culture he remembered from his youth. To revive the scene, Tamburello established Tambo's Surf and Skate in Gulf Shores, which includes the area's first indoor skating bowl. The shop has become a hub for a growing community of young surfers and skaters, known as "groms," offering camps and lessons to nurture new talent. This new 18-event series is a significant step up, transforming the 32-mile island into a new Southern surfing competition destination. The series kicks off with a "Weird Board Surf Competition," a quirky format where participants will randomly draw unconventional surfboards moments before their heat. These unique boards are shaped by Andy Ray. First-place winners in this specialty event will take home both the "weird board" they rode and a brand-new board from Tambo's shop. Cotton Bayou, the primary location for the surf events, is a popular local surf spot known for its accessible and friendly atmosphere. Also called "The Cove" by surfers, the area features a 700-foot concrete pier that helps maintain the integrity of the sandbar, creating reliable waves. While the Gulf of Mexico generally has calmer waters, spots like Cotton Bayou can offer "feisty" waves, ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers. The term "groms," or "grommets," has been part of surf slang since the 1960s and refers to young surfing and skating enthusiasts. Grom competitions are typically for younger surfers, often 12 and under or up to 17, and focus on providing a fun, entry-level competitive experience. The 2026 series will consist of eight surf competitions and eight skate competitions held at the shop. While sixteen of the events will be traditional contests with cash prizes, two will be specialty events, including the "Weird Board" opener and a future fish fry competition where all participants will ride fish-style boards. The events will also feature beach fire pits and food trucks, aiming to create a vibrant community atmosphere.