Santa Cruz Surfing History: From Hawaiian Princes to the Surf Club

Ready for a real dive into some serious California lore? Seriously. Forget what you think you know about Santa Cruz surfing history. For decades, folks down south, you know, in SoCal, they claimed the Golden State’s very first waves. Turns out, our beach town, way out here, was drawing surfers way back when. Centuries before it ever became a cool spot for tourists.

Hawaiian royalty? They hit these waves first. Long before any Southern California surf break even saw a board, these princes were right here. Listen, this ain’t just local pride talking. It’s a fact. And it absolutely reshaped the whole darn narrative.

Hawaiian Royalty: Surfing’s True California Roots

Believe it. Or not. Hawaiian princes were carving up the Santa Cruz surf way back in July 1885. Right there. They rode waves right where the San Lorenzo River meets the ocean, yeah. That’s a full generation, think about that, before an Hawaiian expert was even hired to surf in Southern California. So take that, “Southern California is where it started” crowd. Our town staked its claim first. Plain and simple.

The Santa Cruz Surf Club: A Northern California Legacy

It wasn’t long after that initial splash, really. Locals totally formalized their love for riding waves. The Santa Cruz Surf Club started up in 1936. Active through the late ’30s and ’40s. Guys like Harry and Bob? They were the driving force. You know. Gathering 27 original members who’d ditch school the second someone yelled “Surf’s Up!” Teachers around Holy Cross had a tough, tough time keeping surf-crazed kids in class. Bell rang? Gone.

And another thing: World War II scattered many of those early members. Some didn’t return. Moved on. To college, marriage, or service. But the actual spirit of it all? That stuck like glue. The club’s legacy lives on. Just look at the iconic surfing sculpture near Cowell Beach, a project pushed hard by club members like Doug and Harry. Costing a cool $75,000. Dedicated 1992. Massive piece of work.

Early Surfboards: Redwood Rigs to Laminated Designs

The surfboards themselves were a whole different game back then. So different. We’re talking solid redwood planks, hella heavy. Around 100 pounds. Sometimes more. Sometimes less. Imagine just hauling that monster. Over time, designs did evolve. Moving to lighter laminated boards. Incorporating balsa wood after the war. Because it then became available as military surplus.

Club members were super important in this evolution. Shaping and refining designs. Early boards, often homemade, needed corks to drain water. They leaked! Truly, it’s a strong sign of their dedication. Wrestling those weighty beasts.

Santa Cruz: The Northern California Surfing Hub

Cowell Beach wasn’t just a surf spot. Nope. It was the absolute core of surfing for Northern California. Hundreds would flock to the beach, turning it into one packed scene. And the clubhouse? Totally central. Had a volleyball court, a killer deck, and a place to store boards. Also, the vibe. Totally special. Seeing another car with a surfboard on its roof? Meant pulling over. Striking up a conversation. This was a community. A real one.

Some just liked the look, though. You had “highway surfers” who’d strap boards to their cars. Drove around all weekend. Never even touching the water. Hey, to each their own, right?

Water Carnivals: Santa Cruz’s Adventurous Aquatic Spirit

Our connection to the ocean wasn’t just about surfing. It was about spectacle. Huge spectacle. Santa Cruz used to host water carnivals with some seriously wild stunts. Think fire dives. Swimming acrobatics. Even “New Guinea fights” in the plunge pool. Legendary figures like Harry Murray and Bosco Patterson were literally at the center of it all.

Harry Murray, despite rumors he couldn’t swim well (he apparently could make it through water just fine, thank you very much), was known for epic feats. But Bosco Patterson? He’d ride a cable clear from the Coconut Grove to the pleasure pier. Harry Murray, meanwhile, wrapped in kerosene-soaked burlap, would hang from his legs, literally on fire, plunging into the water below for the roaring crowd. You would not get a permit for that today. No way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was the Santa Cruz Surf Club officially formed?
A: The Santa Cruz Surf Club began operations in 1936, remaining active through the late 1930s and into the 1940s.

Q: How heavy were the early surfboards used by Santa Cruz surfers?
A: Early surfboards, most of them solid redwood planks, were notoriously heavy. Typically weighing around 100 pounds.

Q: Who were the first known surfers in Santa Cruz?
A: Hawaiian princes are credited as the first known surfers in Santa Cruz. Rode waves in July 1885. Right at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River. Amazing.