Exercise For Fitness | 2022
SURFING
IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
The sport really took off in Santa Cruz in the 1930s.
In 1885 , three Hawaiian princes— David Kawananakoa, Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, and Edward Keli'iahonui—arrived in California and introduced surfing to the world beyond Hawaii. The boys were studying at the strict Episcopalian Saint Matthews College, a military school in nearby San Mateo. It was summer break, and they were spending an idyllic vacation in Santa Cruz. They rode Santa Cruz waves with surfboards crafted from our redwood lumber.
In the late 1930s the sport really took off in Santa Cruz. Surfers would ride what they thought would work as surfboards, such as plywood planks and ironing boards. As surfing became a common pastime, the boards became more functional. Redwood planks were soon forgotten, and instead, surfers began using more pliable and lightweight boards. Soon after, the invention of wetsuits (by Santa Cruz' own Jack O'Neill) made surfing in the cold waters more bearable. Surfers were able to stay in the water for longer periods of time. Steamer Lane is one of the most iconic surf spots in California and the epicenter of the Santa Cruz surf scene since the 1930s. The epic north or south swells that unload on it reef are one of the reasons why this spot is super famous. Steamer Lane is not for the faint-hearted; the waves can be very overwhelming. Located west of the Santa Cruz Wharf, Cowell Beach is known for its easy-to-catch waves. This is the right spot for beginners to learn how to ride the waves. Not only is Cowell Beach a top Santa Cruz surf spot, but it’s also a great place to relax and unwind by the water. Visit this Santa Cruz beach to 8
Coastal Health & Wellness
2022
Left to right: Kalaniana'ole, Kawnanakoa and Keli'iahonui
practice your skills before tackling bigger waves. If you’re looking for adventure, just head north out of town on Highway One and check out the waves. It's a great way to avoid crowds and on any given day one of dozens of 'secret' surfing spots is usually breaking. Try Waddell Creek State Beach, Ano Nuevo, or just pull over and hike to the shore anywhere you stop—you may find the perfect wave. Then there is Mavericks. The world-renowned big-wave surf spot draws surfers from all over the world. There's a contest nearly every year, pending conditions, with some of the best big wave surfers in the world, but you can find at least a few pros any time the swell is up. These big waves can be very dangerous and should not be taken lightly. Even if you don’t ride these giants yourself, it is worth taking a trip up to see them as they can be spectacular. From the pro who is always on the prowl for a bigger wave, to the sport surfer who goes out there and has a blast, to the cliff dweller who just enjoys watching the surfers catch waves, surfing is a sport that everyone in Santa Cruz can enjoy.
