Cowabunga – Christmas is Coming!

The Surfing Santa of Seal Beach

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

When children in Seal Beach hear the sound of jingle bells ringing instead of looking to the rooftops, they look out at the ocean – for a glimpse of Santa on his surfboard.

And, to their wondering eyes, who does appear? Michael Pless Sr, minus the reindeer!

Known as the Surfing Santa of Seal Beach, Pless, the owner of M&M Surfing School, puts on a red Santa wetsuit and white beard every year and surfs up and down the shoreline to spread the joy of Christmas to one and all.

Pless, who has been doing this for two decades, has his wife Jill on board, too, dressed as Mrs Claus…

and son Michael Jr. – as Frosty the Snowman – all riding the waves together.

Pless told SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel that he likes “keeping the spirit of Christmas alive for all ages.”

As the Surfing Santa of Seal Beach, he brings joy to the community and holiday magic while celebrating the sport he loves – surfing!  

So, when you’re walking along the sand in Seal Beach and listening to jingle bells coming from the ocean, don’t be surprised when you see Surfing Santa riding a big wave coming your way! 

SurfWriter Girls

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Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.