Whether in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, the waters just off Santa Cruz County are swimming with possibilities. Take it easy in the Yacht Harbor? Cruise around a wharf? Explore the wilds off the Westside? Venture to Shark Park and the Cement Ship? Lookout has you covered no matter what you choose.
Surfing
Posted inCoast Life
Greg Noll, SoCal surfer and legendary big-wave rider, dies
Long before tow-in surfing, Greg Noll conquered Hawaii’s monster waves. The legendary big-wave rider has died at 84.
Posted inCoast Life
Great white shark bites swimmer off Gray Whale Beach near Pacifica; male victim in serious condition
The 35-year-old man was swimming off the San Mateo County coast just south of Pacifica and just north of Montara. The beach was ordered closed.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Far from the Olympic limelight, the waves of Fukushima are ‘healing’ for local surfers
Fukushima was hoping the Olympics would make people forget the 2011 nuclear disaster. But the best surfers in the world will not be riding the waves along the region’s coast.
Posted inCoast Life
Olympic wave of the future? Kelly Slater on whether his Surf Ranch or other wave pools could play host
Could the wave pool Kelly Slater constructed amid agricultural fields in Central California be used for surfing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
Posted inCoast Life
‘Really cool to see all these people on boards’: Black Surf Club Santa Cruz brings diversity into the ocean
If this was a preview, next weekend’s Juneteenth events will be unmissable. As volunteer and ally, Tim Robbins says while manning a booth at Cowell’s, “Democracy is not a bystander sport. You have to participate. We have to get away from silo politics and come together as a whole.”
Posted inUncategorized
20 years of ‘Living Like Jay’: Honoring the legend of one of surfing & Santa Cruz’s brightest shooting stars
Since his death in 2001, Jay Moriarity’s legend has continued to grow as a rare talent taken too soon, and a soul of kindness. His iconic wipeout at Mavericks at age 16 remains one of the most memorable moments in surfing.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
How three surfer dudes left California to find a secret surfing oasis in El Salvador
The Olympic trials for surfing are being held in El Salvador. The seeds for this were planted decades ago by young Californians looking for good waves.
Posted inCoast Life
Throwing a stokefest for Ben Kelly: Shark victim’s loved ones pay tribute with inclusive ‘No Contest’
Q&A WITH BEN’s WIFE: In a heartfelt conversation with Lookout, Katie Kelly talks about the daily difficulties of pushing ahead without her husband and the special memories and people who help get her through.
Posted inUncategorized
Riding the ‘cerebral surf’ wave: How Santa Cruz’s epic surf-rock trio The Mermen keep on shredding
THE HERE & NOW: Jim Thomas and his band The Mermen don’t just attract fans, they draw disciples. Think that’s hyperbole? We talked to a sampling of those who live for the complex, acid-splashed, surf-inspired tunes that come from his guitar.