LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Beach Boys helped make surfing an iconic part of California's culture decades ago, and today it became the state's official sport.
Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill authored by Assemblymen Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, and Ian Calderon, D-Whittier, who are both avid surfers and noted the sport generates significant economic activity for the state, which has about 1,100 miles of coastline.
``I am stoked that surfing is now California's official sport. No other sport represents the California dream better than surfing -- riding the waves of opportunity and living in harmony with nature,'' Muratsuchi said.
``Let's celebrate California by celebrating this iconic sport.''Calderon, the Assembly's majority leader, said he was ``proud to join Assemblymember Muratsuchi in designating surfing as our state sport.
Growing up surfing not only had a significant impact on who I am as a person, but also taught me at a young age to appreciate and cherish our beautiful coastline that we are so fortunate to have here in California.''