Surf Culture Takes Over Palm Springs Surf Club with East Fest

Palm Springs may be far from the coast, but on Sunday it became the center of surf culture as fans, pros, and board shapers gathered at the Palm Springs Surf Club for the first-ever East Fest. The event, presented by Stab magazine in partnership with Kona Big Wave, brought together some of the biggest names in surfing for a day of innovation, competition, and community.

A lineup of 12 of the world’s best surfboard shapers took on a unique challenge—riding experimental boards of their own design. Alongside them, professional surfers including Mikey February, Mason Ho, Nathan Fletcher, and Harry Bryant showcased their skills, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Organizers said the event was more than just a showcase. With the help of Vans and Kona, East Fest highlighted the global surf community, featuring shapers from Australia, Europe, Hawaii, and beyond. For many, the Palm Springs Surf Club wave pool represents a new frontier—bringing surfing into inland markets where access to the ocean is limited.

“Surfing, at times, can be inaccessible because you need the coast,” organizers explained. “With wave pools like this one in Palm Springs, we can introduce surfing to new communities, and that’s exciting both for business and for the culture.”

Festivalgoers also had the chance to enjoy exclusive merchandise, giveaways, and the premiere of Stab’s new East series, making the day a complete celebration of surf innovation and lifestyle.

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