Yancy Spencer III Memorial Surf Contest
JOIN US FOR
THE YANCY SPENCER III
MEMORIAL SURF CONTEST
MAY 3RD 2025
PENSACOLA BEACH PIER
9:00AM
The Yancy Spencer III Memorial Surf Contest returns to the Pensacola Beach Pier on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This annual event is held in tribute to Pensacola Beach native, Yancy Spencer III, who tragically passed away in 2011 from a heart attack after surfing one of his favorite surf spots in California. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Shawn Martin,
a Pensacola native, who is battling a rare kidney disease. To learn more about Shawn or to donate directly to his GoFundMe CLICK HERE. This event will draw surfers from all over the region and will be a family friendly event for spectators and competitors alike. The day will include surfing, food, music and of course a surf contest. There is no cost to spectate, and we will have a raffle for spectators to win all sorts of prizes. The event will wrap up with an awards ceremony and gathering at The Salty Rose on Pensacola Beach, only steps away from the contest. There will be games, surf films, food and an awards ceremony!
Background:
Yancy Spencer III, known as the "godfather" of Gulf Coast surfing, began his distinguished career on Pensacola Beach in 1965. Five years later, he emerged as a renowned professional surfer and was named the top amateur surfer on the Gulf Coast. In 1972, Yancy won the East Coast Pro and became a regular feature in films and magazines, including a profile in Surfer Magazine. Yancy passed away on February 14, 2011, at the age of 60, from a heart attack after a day of surfing at one of his favorite spots in California.
The Pensacola Beach community honored his life with a large "paddle out" ceremony and the installation of a life-sized bronze statue of him at Casino Beach. Yancy also left a lasting legacy on the Gulf Coast through Innerlight Surf Shop, a business he founded in 1969, which continues to be operated by his family.
Become a Sponsor:
We are still looking for Sponsors for the event. If you or your business would like to sponsor the contest you can find more information by CLICKING HERE.
Register for the Contest:
We have multiple divisions available to join, pre-register online to ensure you have a spot in the contest. This year we will adding a new cash prize division, in the "retro" surf bracket. CLICK HERE for more info or to register.