Watching
Waves
over the
For 30 years, a bronze statue has been a symbol of surfing’s legacy in Santa Cruz
BY ERIN MALSBURY
BRONZE AGE The surfer statue was installed in May of 1992 with a plaque that reads, “This monument is dedicated to all surfers—past, present, and future.”
O
ne sunny morning in May, a crowd gathered around the surfer statue on West Cliff Drive. As birds glided past and surfers rode waves in the distance at Steamer Lane, people filed into rows of chairs and stood chatting.
Classic woodie wagons and vintage surfboards lined the scene, and a live band played surf-inspired tunes. The surf statue has become a beloved Santa Cruz landmark. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the Santa Cruz Surfing Club Preservation Society and the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department hosted a ceremony. Renowned surfboard shaper and president of the Santa Cruz Surfing Club Preservation Society Bob Pearson said a few words about the statue and explained the significance of the historic surfboards on display before introducing an assortment of speakers. Surfing “patriarchs” Bob 72
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SANTA CRUZ VISITORS GIUDE | GOODTIMES.SC | 2022
6/23/22 6:52 PM
