Encinitas has always had a special place in my heart. The coastal town carries that laidâback California vibe where surfboards lean against cafĂ© walls and the smell of saltwater drifts through the streets. In September 2009, I found myself at Moonlight Beach for one of the most unique gatherings Iâve ever attendedâthe Woody Car Show, also known as the Wavecrest meet. That year marked its 30th anniversary, and the event was bigger than ever.
Walking down toward the sand, I could already hear the hum of conversation and the occasional rev of an engine. The sight that greeted me was breathtaking: rows upon rows of gleaming woodâpaneled cars, polished to perfection, their varnished sides glowing in the sunlight. It felt like stepping into a living museum, but one infused with surf culture and California history.
A Celebration of Surf and Style
Woodies arenât just carsâtheyâre icons. In the midâ20th century, these wagons were practical vehicles, often used by families and businesses. But by the 1960s, surfers adopted them as the ultimate ride. With plenty of room for boards and gear, they became symbols of freedom, adventure, and coastal living. At the 2009 show, that heritage was everywhere.
Owners proudly displayed their vehicles, many with vintage surfboards propped against the bumpers. Some cars were restored to pristine factory condition, while others carried custom touches that reflected their ownersâ personalities. I remember one Ford wagon with a deep cherry finish that looked like it had just rolled out of a showroom, and another Chevrolet with faded wood panels that told stories of decades spent near the ocean.
The Atmosphere
The Woody Car Show wasnât just about automobilesâit was a festival. Families spread out blankets on the sand, kids darted between the rows of cars, and the smell of grilled food drifted through the air. Music played from a nearby stage, adding to the laidâback vibe.
I wandered through the crowd, stopping to chat with car owners who were more than happy to share the history of their vehicles. One man told me how he had driven his Woody across the country from Oklahoma just to be part of the event. Another explained the painstaking process of restoring the wooden panels, which required hours of sanding, varnishing, and care.
What struck me most was the sense of community. This wasnât just a car showâit was a gathering of people who shared a passion, a lifestyle, and a love for Californiaâs coastal culture.
The Parade
One of the highlights of the weekend was the Highway 101 Woody Cruise. Dozens of cars lined up, engines rumbling, before heading north toward Oceanside. Watching that procession was like stepping back in time. The sight of so many woodâbodied cars rolling together down the highway was surreal, a moving tribute to Californiaâs golden era.
Standing on the sidewalk, I felt the ground shake slightly as the cars passed, each one unique but united by the gleam of polished wood. People cheered, waved, and snapped photos, capturing a moment that felt both nostalgic and timeless.
Shenanigans and Surprises
Of course, no event in Encinitas would be complete without a few shenanigans. At one point, a group of surfers staged a mock âpit stop,â pretending to wax boards and refuel coolers as if they were part of a race team. Kids climbed into the back of wagons, pretending they were heading off on a surf trip. The playful energy reminded me that this wasnât just about preserving historyâit was about celebrating life.
I even stumbled upon a small booth selling Woodyâthemed memorabiliaâshirts, posters, and miniature models. I couldnât resist picking up a tâshirt with a classic wagon printed across the front, a souvenir that still reminds me of that day.
Evening Reflections
As the sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow across the beach, the event began to wind down. Cars slowly pulled away, their engines echoing against the cliffs, while families packed up their blankets and coolers. I lingered for a while, watching the last few wagons roll out, their wooden panels catching the final rays of sunlight.
Walking back through downtown Encinitas, I couldnât help but reflect on what I had just experienced. The Woody Car Show wasnât just about carsâit was about culture, community, and nostalgia. It captured the essence of Encinitas: a town where surfboards and classic cars share the same DNA, where history and lifestyle blend seamlessly.
Looking Back
The 2009 Woody Car Show remains one of my favorite memories of that year. It was a reminder that traditions donât have to stay locked in the pastâthey can evolve, adapt, and find new life in gatherings like Wavecrest. The roar of engines, the gleam of polished wood, the laughter of families on the sandâall of it came together to create a celebration that was uniquely Californian.
Even now, I can still picture the rows of cars lined up along Moonlight Beach, the smell of saltwater and sunscreen in the air, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself. The Woody Car Show wasnât just an eventâit was an experience, a living snapshot of surf culture and automotive history.
And in 2009, standing there in Encinitas, I realized that sometimes the best way to honor the past is to celebrate it in the presentâwith laughter, community, and a little bit of California sunshine.
