Surfn' Santa Cruz Readers Comments


Have a Comment or Question, ask away. 
I have Been Surfing for 20+ yrs now being native to our wonderful town and I thought a little more on right of way might be helpful to all those who are just beginning to surf! Now correct me if things have changed, But depending on direction of break " IE: Right Hand breaking wave" The furthest out and to the left would actually have the right of way as this puts them deeper into the bowl and in more peril in larger surf if someone drops in! I have noticed with the breaks being so crowded that there are usually 2 to 3 taking off at the same time on a wave at the more known spots. This is why I feel first on doesn't cut it. And of course the opposite for a left Break would apply! Had this rule been known to everyone I might have been spared a broken right hand a few years back while surfing the north coast! At any rate I think it deserves some thought?
Thanks Much! Be Kind,
And you are the Kind!!
Dallas Mapes   aka: The SurfBadger

Some surfers yield to those closest to the break, others to the first to catch the wave, and some to the first to pop up. Either way, if we all play nice, everyone has fun and no body gets hurt.
 
 


Riding at 38, hanging out at Cowells, getting flushed at Steamers. I spend the best time in my life in SC, much thanks to surfing. I just wanted to take this oppurtunity to thank Mike, Ilya, John and One-Sun  for all the help teaching me the wonderful art of surfing. And belive yo me,  I´ll be back for more...
Fredrik

Yea, ain't it great !
 
 
 


hello ! I live in Belgium, is not possible to surfing on north sea in my contry you are so lucky to have a big wave and many spots to surfing........

see you soon
rices  from  brussels


I know, but it's always good to be reminded to appreciate what we've got
 


where I am sitting it all sounds wonderful........really wonderful. coastel maine running out of time. one more month of potential surf as a weak winter comes to an end. You lucky #!#@$!#! God bless the pacific.

Yea, but you get pretty fall colors


Que pasa?

I come up here once or twice a year and I live in venice CA so every time i look in here it totallyt get's me stoked. oh yeah the surf down in smel LA sucks the water is grody and every body is a jerk. that's why i love SC it's so purdy 'round here and the surf is insane. oh yeah you ve got some stuff on cowell's and steamers how about a little more on the hook and pleasure point??

keep chillin adn please put this on the page

PS this site is my only escape from So Calso keep on surfing

Ickabod krane A.K.A. corn dog


Wish I could get more East Side info - maybe someday.
 
 


I live in Santa Cruz and I just wanted to comment on your surfin' Santa Cruz page. I think it's really stupid that you're publicising Santa Cruz like this. We have enough tourists in this town already. People just keep moving here more and more every year. thanx that's all I wanted to complain about.

You're welcome.
 
 


Just a quick comment.....leashes ..its irresponsible to be out in an active spot like
Cowells without one. Lately I have seen boards flyinging toward shore with no one on them..There are just too many new surfers, just too many people who could get badly hurt from one of those runaway, unleased boards its just common courtesy to leash up and practice safe surfing...thanks...rikki

Rikki, Thanks for the reminder. Remember, Surf WITH a leash, but hang on to your board as if you didn't have one.
 
 
 


Bob-Thanks for keeping my posting in the wanted section of your classifieds. I'm the guy who is collecting old boards and paddleboards.The posting still is receiving responces and I've picked up a few boards and made some new friends from it.Thanks again-Steiny

Glad to help
 
 
 

Thanks for the reminder in your java applet, but the water quality posting is from the 7th of February. Since quality fluctuates every few days these aren't too accurate. Don't they sample at least once a week?

Keep up the good work, your resource is valuable and appreciated.
Greg
 

.


Greg, It would be great if the quality reports could be made in real time, but they can't because of what's involved. The dates reported are the dates on which the water samples were collected. However, after the water smple is collected, it must be processed and that takes time. You can use the reports to see what places should be avoided, especially right after rains.

-- Bob
 
 
 

Just like to pass along a repair tip. I had some work done by Kris at Haut shop and the man is a magician. He did a wonderful job and I am super pleased with the work. I don't hesitate to recommend him to anyone needing board repair in the Santa Cruz area. Great Guy. Bob from San Diego 

'Nuff Said
 
 
 
 
 

Why do some surfers wear those silly webbed gloves? I am pretty certain that they do not aid one in paddling.

I've never tried them, but I know that when I'm tired, I have a hard time keeping my fingers cupped together. I suspect they do help some... However a word of caution. I've talked to older surferes who've tried them, and developed elbow trouble and stopped using them. Also, they aren't designed for warmth. So I stick with 'regular' gloves.

--Bob 

Just a comment on those silly webbed gloves.

I am a physical therapist, and as a youth swam competitively for over 18 years. I hate to admit it, but those "silly webbed gloves" do help my paddle, and add enough warmth to keep me comfortable. As for the the "older guys" who have developed elbow trouble with using these gloves, this is probably a factor of poor swim stroke form and maybe some physical limitations. Taking some swim lessons from a local coach would assist both your form and your stamina, both of which equal longer days on the waves.
Good luck, wear whatever the hell you want, and respect others.

--JS
 
 
 
 

Thank you very much for a great site! I moved to Santa Cruz from the East coast about 3 months ago and I check out your site regularly. I have one questions however: Being fairly new to the area I only know of the main surf spots in the area. Is there a guide to the other "lesser known" (ie: less crowded) spots.

Thanks,
Fish.

Hey, half the fun is in the hunt, but a clue is when you see ratty cars with surf racks parked off the of the side of the road - check it out. However, don't forget the cardinal rule. If the surfers you find look way more experienced than you, hang back and watch. Don't get in over your head someone could get hurt.
 
 
 
 

I just wanted to drop a note to someone and say thanks to the locals in Santa Cruz for putting up with another middle aged longboarder. I learned to surf @ EDs in aug. They spent a fair amount of time explaining how to get out the way and not droping in .But you still manage to piss off someone. Everyone was very cool and taught me much.
Thanks again.

That's the whole idea of surfing. It's supposed to be FUN :-)
 
 
 


Have you considered dating the ads and comments that you've been posting? By attaching a 'post date' to the ads and comments, you and your readers will be able to readily distinguish old from recent. You might be posting your ads and comments chronologically, but I still think it would be helpful to know how current they are.
stan

Good Idea Stan, I'll try to remember to add the dates. Oh-yea, they are posted chronologically.
 
 
 
 

I have a comment on the message you posted on your home page banner a couple of days ago. I can't remember the phrasing exactly, but it was by Sam Reid and to paraphrase, it said "first on the wave, owns the wave." I believe something similar is posted at Steamers.

Although in general, I agree with the philosophy, I think it needs to be qualified. As a case in point, if one guy (no gender intended) on a long board is on the shoulder and the other on a short board in the pit, even if the longboarder paddles into the wave sooner, I think he should back off. His wave judgment was poorer.

There seems to be a tendency these days for many longboarders to start paddling into waves way to early. I guess by beginning to paddle sooner, they are trying to stake a claim for the wave. A lot of these guys should be using better wave judgement and positioning themselves better. To me one of the coolest things is to catch a wave in the 'sweet spot' with almost no paddling effort.

My comment isn't going to resolve the ever growing conflicts on wave ownership, but I feel that the "first on a wave" philosophy oversimplifies the issue, and when I'm riding a short board it annoys me. By the way, I ride a long board as well.

Lastly, a lot of early pioneers of surfing, Rabbit Kekai included, still live by the philosophy that giving a fellow surfer a wave is still an honorable gesture.

take care,
stan


The "first one on the wave has right-of-way" rule is intended to remind surfers not to jump on a ride in front of others. Demanding that others clear out `cause you've got "right-of-way" makes for unfriendly surfing experience. So... be nice, share and we'll all have fun. And that's the whole point!
 
 
 
 
 

Cool page, I have been looking for a Java based virtual surfing site that I used to access off Cruzio. Is it still at this site? You could click on the wave and move the surfer guy, very realistic. My experience in surfing started in 1958 at Malibu. Surfed the Lane, 4 Mile beach and Stockton Ave. from 1968 to 1979. Now I surf in Pacific Grove and Big Sur. Never quit or stopped being stoked for over 40 years now. Cowabunga!!

Sounds like a lot of great surfn', sorry I don't recall where the virtual cyber surfer lives.
 
 
 

Santa Cruz surfers should know something.....There is a petty thief who has been working the 41st Ave. parking lot at The Hook this last week [12/13/97]. While you are out surfing, he finds where you have hidden your car keys, breaks in, goes through your wallet for cash, then locks the car doors and throws away your keys.  He has hit cars there nearly every day this past week, usually in the morning (source: Sheriff).  Unfortunately, he appears to be a surfer (why else would the seat be wet, where he sat and went through my wallet for a lousy $10-15?).

This loser needs to take a good long look at himself, straighten out, and get a life.  He's probably a taker in the water too.  I am sure he'll claim he's so "sorry" when he's caight and receives some vigilante justice or is thrown in the slammer.  Yeah, we're real sorry too.

So, stay alert, watch out for each other, and do what you can to stop this kind of thing.  Let's not let this isolated individual's acts ruin The Hook or the positives of surfing.

Randy 

Thanks for the warning. Here's a tip.
Keep your key with you. I always put my key in a wetsuit pocket, or tie it to a shoelace.

Bob-Thanks for putting together such a fine site.I especially like the waves today and tomorrow sections and the water quality links.Please continue to emphasize water quality/environmental issues. Thanks again,A westside surfdog .-

Thanks, you can bet I'll keep in tune with the environment. After all I seen to drink an afwul lot of the playground.
 
 
 

I lived in Santa Cruz about 12 years ago...It made a big impression on my life...Now I live in Florida...I do recall, when I was young, seeing a old wrecked ship on the beach (what beach?-I don't know...) it was open to the public and you could walk on and through it....Also, I recall a huge hotel/restaurant that had a huge glass roof that would open....I believe this was downtown or possibly near the boardwalk. If you have any knowledge about any of the places and would like to share, please respond...It would be very appreciated... Thankyou....

-Sincerely, Cultureboy (c.o. Cultureboy Head-Quarters)

Florida's Nice, but like you, I Love Santa Cruz. But I sure did enjoy the WARM water last year as I jogged along the Gulf Coast last summer. The old ship you remember is probably the Cement ship that washed ashore during WWII. It's at Secliff State Beach. Unfortunately, time and the ocean have taken their toll on the ship and access is limited. It's beginning to fall apart.

Maybe someday you'll get to come back for a visit.

-- Bob

Seacliff Girll provides another version of the origin of the cement ship.

Great site! Just wanted to correct something. The Cement Ship did not wash up during WW11. It was placed there in either the 20s or 30s. I believe that developers were trying to create an amusement park of sorts there when the depression hit. At that time it was a night club and was visited by Hollywood stars of the era.

Seacliff Girl

Thanks for the input Seacliff Girl, I always did wonder how the ship washed ashore so nicely aligned to the beach.

-- Bob
 
 
 
 

Just a suggestion in regards to the want adds. But the string 'mailto:' in front of the address and you it will be possible to invoke your email client by just clinking on the name.

cheers,

JL

PS Excellent job on the site. Quite possily the best surf site I have encountered.

PS Are you looking for help? I would love to get involved!

Hi JL,

Thanks, and take a look at the new 'JL' edition of the want adds. You'll see that you just did get involved.

Bob

Hey now... I'm kinda new to the area and am hoping to find some not so crowded points in the around without ruining anyone else's session. Can you tell me about any spots to the north (or south) that could provide tasty points and what sort of swell and tide I need to look for at each?

If this is sacred local knowledge, forgive my asking, but if you don't ask...

Thanks John

Hi John,

Welcome to Santa Cruz, but there's an old saying about California; "Welcome to California, now please stand in line". Unfortunately, about the only time you get the water to yourself, is when nobody else wants to be in the water.

As you start at Cowells, you'll find friendly crowds, with small friendly waves. To the north is Steamers, with lots of skilled surfers. As you move past Natural Bridges, the surf is harder to find, because the road is far from the water. Look for parked cars, and check it out. When you find the surf, it will be a mix of point, reef, and beach break. If you feel comfortable with what's going on, head on out. If you're overwhelmed by the skill of the surfers, well you get the idea.

To the South you'll find Pleasure (lots of locals with attitudes) and the hook (a bit bigger swell than Cowells, and not quite as friendly). Further south you tend to find beach breaks.

Welcome, enjoy the surf, and be careful out there!

- Bob

Hey whats up I am from La Jolla California and am going up to Monterey this october to visit family. What is the best surf spots and water temperatures up there. Waves Size, form shape?

Thanks for the info 

Surfer Magazine once described Santa Cruz as having "Everything from the Gidgit Waves of Cowells Beach to the Meatgrinders of Maverics. Santa Cruz provides three regions: The Eastside (near where 41st Ave dead ends at the Beach) , The Westside (beginners and fun waves at Cowells through advanced at Steamers), and the North Coast (hard to find places North of Santa Cruz. In October the waves should be good (winter storms comming) and the water temperature should be about 60 degrees F. Enjoy yourself, and be careful out there.

- Bob

Hello,

I am currently working in Tokyo, Japan. I will be visiting Boston for a business trip. However before I visit Boston I am planning to stop over San Jose. I am plannining to purchase a surfboard in the bay area but don't know where to go.

Can you introduce me some stores around Santa Cruz area or anywhere else.

the information would help.

Thanks

Taki

Hi Taki,

Take a look at the new Surfn' Santa Cruz Yellow Pages. Hope this helps

- Bob

Dear SurfingSantaCruz

My name is Jonah, I am in the sixth grade at Natural Bridges Elementary School and I am doing a report on surfing.

I am surfing the internet for information and was wondering if you knew of any sites that would be useful for my report. Thank you very much and I wouldappreciate any information you could send me.

Sincerely, Jonah T. c/o April, librarian at Natural Bridges 

Hi Jonah,

You already know about Surfn' Santa Cruz and all the links it provides. Here's a site I just found that has the most complete list of surf related sites you can imagine. The site is at <http://www.magna.com.au/~prfbrown/tubelink.html>. This might help. If I knew what type of information are you looking for, I might be able to direct you to more specific sites.

Good luck with your report, and keep your surfboard wet :-)

- Bob

A long time Santa Cruz resident replying from the great white north - Alaska. Great idea for a web site! Its nice to see the Lane in your picture and hear about how good the surf must be. My wife and I moved up to Girdwood, Alaska last April, but a day doesn't go by without thinking about surfing "sidewalks", sharks, or the POINT. Anyway thanks for the 'Cruz refreshment and keep up the good work

- Tom and Julie

Gee, what is it with Santa Cruz [ex]surfers? I bought my surfboard from a friend and lifelong surfer who moved to eastern Washington.

Hello

I've been surfing 32 years and really appreciate your surf websiite. The music was a real suprise treat! I wish The website was around way back when. I would have saved a large fortune on gasoline!

Another activity that gets the juices flowing when there is no surf is paintball! Perhaps this activity could be suggested for surfers when there is no surf. check out <http://www.woodstalk.com>

Let me know what you think. Good luck

Stuart

Spiffy page - sounds like fun.

--Bob

at long last I'm back in the surf here in another week or so with my 9'0" Weber -- been in graduate school for three years, chained to my desk...but that's all over, and it's time to get back into healthy life.

can you suggest a good place for me to paddle out in Santa Cruz where I can have a good time without having to drop in on walls?

in advance, thanks!

Craig happy stream ecologist 

Hi Craig,

As described in a Surfing magazine special edition last summer; "Santa Cruz has everything from the Gidgit Waves of Cowells to the Meatgrinders of Maveric"

I highly recommend Cowells beach. A nice point break (you can paddle out without having to drive thrugh crashing waves) and it's very dependable, whatever size wave you're seeing, is what you'll get for all the sets. From Cowells you can venture out to the point, called Indicators. Indicator can be a bit less consistent - meaning an occasional overhead in an otherwise rib-high day. As you proceed towards the lighthouse (aka steamers) you run into more and more chance of an overhead pounding.

Happy Surfing Bob

Hi Bob,

I just want to say you,ve got great little page here. The locals only surf report is a major plus. Lots of good info. Keep up the good work.

C-ya on the water,

Craig

Hi Bob,

Wish you could have stayed out a little longer Saturday. I got "dunked" few times, as you saw, but I had few wild rides. One was larger than I usually take, and I got going so fast I could feel my board flexing and vibrating. I got to admit I was tad bit nervous. It only lasted for about 5 seconds.

Hey, you've got to get some cold water gear so you can last a few hours out there. The O'Neils hooded vest that I wear underneath my suit is worth its weight in gold.

I was cruzing thru your page and saw the comments page, It might be interesting to see some of the comments, just like they do in magazines -- i.e. where reader comments to the editor are published. It's just an idea.

Anyways, I got to go. I'll see you at work.

Carl

Good Idea Carl, we'll give it a try
--Bob--

right on bob,

your site's been helpful for me to know when to bag ocean beach and head down to the hook. after looking at an endless list of boring sites, i like coming across pages like this with a little soul. maybe i'll see you in the water sometime.

see ya,

tim

Hey, thanks for all of the good info.

Sherman 

Bob,

Thanks for your comments. I'm reading it Sunday night after returning from Santa Cruz.

Due to Wedding responsibilities, we got out Fri and Sat in the late afternoon and can see how important your advice to get out at low tide since we missed the best conditions. Still, it was interesting and we caught a few waves. We went to Cowell and Indicator on Fri and 38th Street/Pleasure Point and Hook on Sat afternoon.

As usual, we enjoyed just being in the water and watching the sea otters was a treat.

I was really impressed with how friendly everyone was.

Thanks again.

Paul 

Return to Surfn' Santa Cruz.