Bill would establish surfing as official sport of California

HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- State lawmakers are carving up new legislation and putting in writing what many Californians already know.

State assembly members Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) and joint author assembly majority leader Ian Calderon (D-Whittier) on Saturday will announce the introduction of assembly bill AB-1782, which would establish surfing as the official sport of California.

The announcement will be held in front of the Tim Kelly Lifeguard Memorial in Hermosa Beach at 1 p.m.

Surfing is an iconic part of California's culture, and with around 1,100 miles of coastline, it generates significant economic activity every year in the state.