Liza Monroy witnessed a racist altercation at Steamer Lane this past week. She intervened to stop it and is saddened that other surfers didn’t join her. She tells her story here.
Surfing
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
How my Brazilian friend’s skimboarding dreams came true in Santa Cruz
For Brazilian skimboarder Leo Freitas, riding waves in Santa Cruz was a dream come true. On July 20, he joined 22 of the world’s best skimboarders on Seabright Beach to compete in the Tac Skimblast, skimboarding’s main international professional tour. Santa Cruz native Evan Quarnstrom, who befriended Freitas during his year traveling and surfing abroad and served as a judge in the competition, writes about the lasting impact Santa Cruz has had on Freitas and the way Freitas touched Santa Cruz surf culture with his infectious energy.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Sustainable surfboards: SwellCycle turns plastic hospital waste into unique boards
The health care industry is one of the largest waste-producing sectors in the nation, accounting for an estimated 14,000 tons of waste – daily. Now, three Santa Cruz entrepreneurs have found a way, using 3D printing tech, to use some of that waste and create flexible, more sustainable, surfboards, soon selling for $1,000-$2,000. Demoed by Santa Cruz surfer Tyler Fox and South Africa’s Grant “Twiggy” Baker, a champion big wave surfer, SwellCycle will take preorders soon.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz became only the second California city to close the gender pay gap in sports. How?
All city-sanctioned competitions in Santa Cruz that offer prize money must offer equal payouts to men and women. How is Santa Cruz only the second California city to require this?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Surfers, lawmakers push back against proposal to expand marine protections in Santa Cruz County
A petition by an environmental advocacy group to the state’s Fish and Game Commission would establish a state marine reserve off Pleasure Point and expand a reserve adjacent to Natural Bridges State Beach. Local lawmakers, along with the fishing and surfing communities, have come out against the idea.
Posted inLatest News
Former Olympian, acclaimed swim coach Richard Thornton died of accidental drowning
Legendary Bay Area coach Richard Thornton’s Jan. 4 death at The Hook in Pleasure Point has been ruled an accidental drowning, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. He was 65.
Posted inLatest News
Richard Thornton, Olympian and swim coach, dies at The Hook in Santa Cruz
Legendary Bay Area swim coach and U.S. Olympian Richard Thornton died Thursday while preparing to surf at The Hook in Santa Cruz. In a Facebook post, his younger brother said Thornton, 65, died “doing what he loved.”
Posted inFood & Drink
Patrick Trefz melds passions for surfing, travel and food in wide-ranging new cookbook
Santa Cruz-based photographer and filmmaker Patrick Trefz is known for documenting surf culture. But in his new cookbook, “Ode to Travel,” Trefz shares recipes, photos and travel experiences through the lens of food.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Cold Water Classic returns to Steamer Lane on Wednesday
Despite a rainy weather forecast, some of the country’s top professional surfers are gearing up for the return of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic at Steamer Lane starting Wednesday and running through Sunday. The World Surf League qualifying event promises fierce competition in the iconic amphitheater off of West Cliff Drive as more than 100 surfers, including Santa Cruzans like Nat Young, John Mel, Maddie Storrer and Autumn Hays, compete for $10,000 in prize money.
Posted inCoast Life
From Steamer Lane to Pleasure Point, high surf advisory thrills surfers, prompts rescue calls
Massive waves rolled through the Santa Cruz County coastline Thursday, as forecast by the National Weather Service earlier in the week. Though surfers rushed to take advantage of the big swell, safety personnel had a lot of work to do as they assisted about 20 people out of the dangerous waters. Friday is expected to see calmer seas, but the agencies working to ensure recreators’ safety will be monitoring the conditions closely.