Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2009 - (Page 42) exploring Santa Cruz Cou Santa Cruz is reputed to be the birthplace of mainland surfing, when in the 1800s, visiting Hawaiian princes surfed the mouth of the San Lorenzo River on redwood surfboards crafted from a local lumber mill. Nearly half a century later, local teenagers began crafting hand-made wooden surf boards. Prompted by surfers from southern California and enticed by surf breaks on the Santa Cruz County coastline, the teens perfected their boards and created friendships. Thus, Santa Cruz surfing emerged out of camaraderie between northern and southern Californians. Cowell Beach next to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and Capitola Beach are two of the best places to learn to surf. Surf instructors provide wetsuits and surfboards and get you up on the waves. Once you’re ready, grab your big stick and head to one of Santa Cruz County’s mellow beaches. If you’re not ready to hang ten but want to capture the surfing spirit, stop by Lighthouse off, local Point and watch surfers glide over the waves. The Point overlooks Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz’s legendary surfing spot. Another great surf spot is Pleasure Point, where experienced wave riders challenge themselves at “The Hook.” But a surfboard isn’t the only way to enjoy the waves. Skim boards, paddle boards and boogie boards are available for rent at most surf shops. Surf kayaking and paddle boarding are sports gaining in popularity. Kiteboarding combines windsurfing and wakeboarding with kites. Waddell Beach, north of Santa Cruz, is a hot spot for this adrenaline-packed sport. Or opt for a mellow paddle around the Monterey Bay in a kayak. Beginning as a rebellious surfing spinskateboarding culture for has been part of nearly half a century. Visiting skaters can grind at four area skateboard parks: the Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park at Mike Fox Park in Santa Cruz, Ramsay Park in Watsonville, the Jim Keefe Skate Park at Highlands County Park in Ben Lomond, and the Tim Brauch Memorial Skate Park at Skypark in Scotts Valley. While surfing and skating tend to define Santa Cruz County’s sporting reputation, the area is also a veritable mecca for mountain bikers. Santa Cruz County’s parks offer countless trails geared for bikes. Winding single tracks through shaded redwoods, and climbing roads with stunning vistas of the Monterey Bay provide a full range of trails for all skill levels. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton features the Bear Mountain Cycling 42 “ dig your toes in the sand, soak up some rays or grab a surfboard and hang 10…” loS AngeleS tiMeS, JAnuAry 20, 2008 2 0 0 9 O f f i C i a l S a n ta C r u z C O u n t y t r aV e l e r ’ S G u i d e
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