The largest Toyota Land Cruiser and 4WD truck gathering on the West Coast took place at Pismo Beach, Calif., over the weekend of November 4-6, 2011. It was Toyota 4WD galore at The Ultimate Surf ‘n’ Turf, and Off-Road.com was there!

Check out a full Photo Gallery from the event here

The mastermind known as Pismo Jim, a local, thought to himself one day, “What a cool place to get together with your friends,” and that’s essentially how the event began. With only 20-some Toyota 4WDs showing up for the first Surf ‘n’ Turf in 2001, it’s amazing to see so many Toyota off-road enthusiasts have gravitated to this event.

For more on the area, see our story:
Off-Road Travel: Pismo Dunes

What started as a small gathering of friends driving Toyota Land Cruisers, known as the MOB, grew to over 570 Toyota 4WD owners this year. An unofficial Toyota Land Cruiser Event, yet recognized by the TLCA (Toyota Land Cruiser Association), the weekend brings people from across the country and world for a classic California-style beach party.

The three-day event kicks off with a cook-off competition on Friday night called “Sand Chef,” and then the event really gets the blood pumping on Saturday morning with the MOB run, which is actually running on foot along the California coast. Later comes the high noon Poker Run.

The 2011 Surf ‘n’ Turf is said to be the last one Pismo Jim will be hosting. It’s unclear what will happen with the event, but we have a feeling it will continue in one way or another--considering the support and momentum Jim helped build. 

We admire what Pismo Jim was able to build with a simple idea and a lot of heart. Embraced by like-minded people, the event is a success story that we hope will continue. The sight of so many Toyota Land Cruisers and 4WDs was surreal; we had never seen this many in one place.

Over the weekend, hundreds came up to Pismo Jim and thanked him for the 10 years of Surf ‘n’ Turf, and for kicking us in the pants to get Toyota 4WD enthusiasts together for an annual pilgrimage to the Central Coast.

We had a great time at the Ultimate Surf N Turf meeting new people, talking shop and playing on the California coast. We hope to be back next year.

Thanks, Pismo Jim!

For more info on this event, and to petition Pismo Jim to continue Surf ‘n’ Turf, please visit http://www.realcruiser.com/surfnturf/.