Waves and Words — surf art

Where It All Comes Together: Fashion, Art & Music, Action Sports, and Sustainability

Every Memorial Day weekend, the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic Presented by Katin brings our community together in the most beautiful way. Now entering its 22nd year, this event is more than a surf contest—it’s a celebration of creativity, talent, and the passions that make Coastal Edge who we are.

One of the most meaningful parts of the weekend is the Coastal Edge Student Art Pavilion, a space where young artists from local high schools and middle schools get to shine. For many of them, this is their first time showcasing their work publicly—first time selling their art, and we’re honored to help create that moment.

Through the Student Art Pavilion, we give students the chance to display and sell their artwork free of charge. They are not only sharing their creativity—they’re stepping into the world of art with confidence, learning how to present their work, connect with an audience, and believe in their own voice.

The Vans Custom Culture Student Art Expo:

Thanks to our amazing partners at Vans, students can take part in the Vans Custom Culture Student Art Expo, where blank Vans shoes become one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Whether it’s paint, Sharpie, fabric, or even papier maché, students bring wild ideas to life—and the results are nothing short of magical. These shoes are part of a juried contest, with winning entries becoming part of a traveling art exhibit that’s displayed in Coastal Edge stores, at the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships, and more throughout the year.

We’re incredibly grateful to Vans for continuing to support young artists and providing such a creative and powerful platform for self-expression.

The Eastern Skate Supply Skate Deck Contest:

The creativity doesn’t stop there. Students can also design their own skateboards in the Eastern Skate Supply Skate Deck Contest, transforming skate decks into bold, personal statements. Like the Vans shoes, these pieces are judged, awarded, and showcased in the traveling art exhibit—giving students a moment of real recognition and inspiration.

A huge thank you to our friends at Eastern Skate Supply for their unwavering support and for giving these young artists a unique, exciting canvas to work on. Their continued partnership helps elevate this experience into something unforgettable for every student who participates.

Perhaps the most powerful part of the Student Art Pavilion is the way it helps these young artists take their very first steps as professionals. They get to sell their work to the public and experience the joy (and courage) of putting themselves out there. We’re right there to guide them, support them, and celebrate them every step of the way.

It’s moments like these—where students light up with pride, where families gather around a tent of handmade art, where a simple shoe or skateboard becomes a voice—that remind us why we do what we do. This event brings all our pillars—fashion, art & music, action sports, and sustainability—into one vibrant, meaningful experience.

We are so excited for the 22nd Annual Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic presented by Katin, happening May 24th to May 26th, 2025. We cannot wait to see what this year’s talented group of students has in store. It’s going to be something truly special.

And to the incredible teachers who guide, inspire, and support these young artists every day—thank you. This event wouldn’t be possible without your passion and dedication.

And finally, a heartfelt thank you to Katin for helping make this incredible event possible year after year.