Christian Surfers Logo

United States National Gathering

Location

Northern California

Start Date

August 13, 2026

End Date

August 16, 2026

Team Lead

Mikayla Groffie

Location

Northern California

The CSUS 2026 National Gathering will be a time to bring all staff, chapter leaders, chapter members, and volunteers together for four days of worship, speakers, breakout groups, shared meals, and surfing. It’s a time to connect, learn, and be encouraged while casting vision for the movement, sharing key information, providing training, and building unity across the U.S.

For more info please email

m.groffie@christiansurfers.com

About the Destination

Location Info

Venture Retreat Center - Pescadero, Northern CA

climate

mid 50s°F to 70s°F

water temp

56–61°F (13–16°C)

wave type

Beach breaks, reefs, point breaks and some heavier slabs

average skill

Beginner–Intermediate

trip cost

$300

What's covered

  • Lodging
  • 3 meals a day
  • Group outings and activities
  • T-shirt and conference materials

    • What you cover

  • Flights
  • Transportation
  • Extra activities and personal snacks

    • what's the week look like?

    Each day starts with a morning surf, followed by breakfast and time for personal or group devotion. Late mornings have worship and teaching, then lunch and free time for surf, rest, or games. Afternoons include breakout sessions and more free time, and evenings wrap with dinner and a group session, finishing with a time of late night hangs.

    Before you go

    If you are traveling from outside the U.S., make sure that your passport will be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date. Have at least two to four blank pages in your passport for visas or entry stamps.

    What will the accommodations look like?
    Everyone will be tent camping with plenty of amenities to make the stay comfortable. The site includes outdoor showers with warm water, restroom facilities, purified drinking water stations, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Guests can relax on the patio, enjoy the pool or in the hot tub, gather around the seasonal fire circle, play lawn games, and enjoy meals from the outdoor kitchen and BBQ. Self-service folding tables and chairs are available, and on-site parking makes it easy to come and go.


    What will the food be like? What if I have an allergy?
    Meals will be a team effort! Rotating kitchen crews from each chapter will help prep, cook, serve, and clean, with plenty of options for everyone. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free choices are available. Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.


    How much does it cost to fly a board?
    Airlines and Fees:

    American Airlines: Charges $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second, and a surfboard will likely be treated as a standard checked bag as long as it’s under 50 lbs.

    Southwest Airlines: Charges $75 per item for overweight baggage if a surfboard bag exceeds 50 lbs.

    Delta Airlines: Charges $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second, and a surfboard is treated as a standard checked bag, subject to size restrictions.

    Spirit Airlines: Charges $100 to check surfboards.

    United Airlines: Surfboards are treated as sports equipment and may incur fees.

    Air Transat: Charges $100 to $115 for a surfboard, prepaid and pre-registered.


    Can I fundraise for this trip?
    This trip is designed as a conference to encourage and equip leaders, rather than a service-focused trip like our “Surf and Serves.” Because of this, personal fundraising isn’t encouraged. However, we do encourage Chapters to support individuals who may need financial assistance to attend the gathering.