Surf City Live - Santa Cruz, California Surfing Information

Dec. 5, 2007: Big waves smash coast

December 5, 2007

Ferociously high surf charged by storms in the Pacific Northwest exhausted surfers and rescuers alike Tuesday as 20-foot swells crashed along the misty Monterey Bay coastline, killing a surfer near Pebble Beach and forcing dozens of others from the water.

Surfin' around: News and notes

Surfin' Around

Jay Race showcases paddleboard racing's growing popularity

CAPITOLA — When she heard that surfwear company Roxy would be sponsoring the first all-women's paddleboard race in conjunction with the sixth annual Jay Moriarty Memorial Paddleboard Race in Capitola, Cynthia Aguilar knew she had to be there.

Gwen Mickelson, In the Water: Spread of surf schools not likely when city ordinance begins

The City of Santa Cruz has spoken, and it said that instructors who want to teach surfing on the famed forgiving waves of Cowell's must have a permit, starting Thursday.

Spirit of surfing's golden age alive and well at Big Stick Logjam

This weekend, Pleasure Point slipped into a time warp.

In the Water: Local filmmakers put out surfer casting call for 'Trip'

Nearly every Santa Cruz surfer has dreamt of being in a surf video. Now those dreaming locals might actually get the chance to hit the big screen.

Surfers prepare for a blast to the past with classic board contest

SANTA CRUZ — When a hundred or so surfers haul out their big, heavy '60s longboards this weekend, they'll be surfing down memory lane on vehicles long relegated to the halls of nostalgia.

Gwen Mickelson, In the Water: Surfer Devine was an icon of a sweeter time

It wasn't hard to find Dave Devine.

'Skindog' pulls down big money for riding huge wave

Santa Cruz's Ken "Skindog" Collins was recognized as one of the best surfers in the world Friday when he won the $50,000 Ride of the Year Award at the 2007 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards in Anaheim.

Locals hope for big break in monster-wave contest

SANTA CRUZ — When Ken "Skindog" Collins caught a 40-foot monster in Mexico last June, he knew he was on the wave of his life. But now, on top of that sweet ride, he's got the chance to win $50,000.

New rules for Santa Cruz surf schools, don't forget your colored vest

SANTA CRUZ — Spotting a kook in the ocean is going to be a lot easier now that the city has a new law requiring surf school students and their instructors to wear colored vests when taking lessons at Cowell Beach.

Gwen Mickelson, In the Water: Surfers gather to say, 'See ya next year, Maverick's'

Like the ocean during the three months before, the Maverick's closing ceremony was a quiet affair. A mellow jazz band played at the Harbor House Conference Center on Princeton Harbor in Half Moon Bay. Candles glowed from table tops, where tasteful shell decorations were arranged near napkins and silverware.

City lays down the law on surf schools

SANTA CRUZ — The city is tightening its leash on surf schools as it cracks down on instructors teaching without permits at Cowell's — the city-owned beach with a mellow break where thousands have learned to surf.

Maybe next year, Maverick's

Ahhh, Maverick's. Fickle, fickle Maverick's.

The waiting game: O, Maverick's, Where art thou?

In December, when behemoth winter swells sent 35- to 40-foot sets reeling into big-wave spots like Nelscott Reef, it seemed like a definite precursor to an epic big-wave season and another larger-than-life Maverick's contest.

2007: Opening ceremonies for Maverick's bring out prayers, memories, intriguing heats

Opening ceremonies for the 2007 contest are just the beginning of the waiting game for the 24 invited competitors.

Flea?s circus: Three-time Maverick?s champ called Darryl by his friends

On the magazine cover, Darryl "Flea" Virostko is barely a speck amid the black, raging walls of waves and white avalanche of break

Caveman 'stoked' on Kneeboarding World Championships, advancing

"Caveman stoked!"

Happy Campers at World Kneeboard Championships

"The tube makes everybody happy," said John Mel, a longtime Santa Cruz kneeboarder. "That's where everybody wants to be."

Passion for surf lures amputee back to the waves

Freddie Peterson went from surf idol to amputee and back again.