I just moved to the central valley (near Fresno) from San Diego. I'am close to all of the central coast surfing hot-spots, including Santa Cruz. I'am a dedicated and experienced surfer who always goes out in the water with a good attitude, and I always show respect (I never drop in on anyone). I can also defend my self against local kooks (the people that think that they own the water and the beach) if I have to. Anyway, I want to start surfing in Santa Cruz (because the surf is supposed to be world-class) and some of my buddies back in San Diego told me that Santa Cruz locals are really bad, meaning that they threaten people with knives and guns, and I also heard that Santa Cruz, in general is the "Murder Capital" of the West Coast. Is there any truth to this? If so, then I will go up there prepared.
2006-11-24 13:40:13 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Water Sports
depends on where u go, when u go there, and how u act. my buddy got dropped in on by matt rockhold, and then rockhold yelled at him and threatened to fight him for surfing behing him, and that was at the hook. so it can be kinda ridiculous. if you have a good attitude (and you say you do) you dont have to know anyone to surf anywhere, any day with one exception. when its big everywhere, but not big enough for mavericks to break, everybody who would be surfing there paddles out at stockton ave. you do hear about guns and knives there. also, if you surf any of the spots north of town that are considered by some to be "secret" spots, and you bring some big-*** group, or act like a douche, dont be suprised to find ur keyholes glued shut, ur windows waxed, tires slashed, **** on the hood etc.
really though, as long as u act cool and know how to surf, and dont paddle out at stockton on the wrong day, u will not have a problem. peace
2006-11-26 13:43:14 · answer #1 · answered by fourdmike 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don t be an asshole and you won t have any problems. I m from the Midwest and have an accent, it s obvious to everyone at The Hook I m not a local the second I open my mouth ("Da Bears"), but I surf there all the time and have never had a problem. I follow a few basic rules of etiquette:
1) When I first paddle into a lineup I chill out for a while and let everyone in my near vicinity, who ve obviously been out there waiting for waves longer than me, the opportunity to catch 1. I sure as **** don t paddle out and go for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd wave. But that doesn t mean I m a ***** and allow the same guy(s) to paddle for every wave, which many will do given the opportunity. They can paddle once in front of me; if they catch 1 great, if they miss, tough ****. Try to catch another in front of me and I ll paddle-battle, drop-in, or sit behind you and make you uncomfortable. Talk **** to me and God help you.
2) If I **** up and disrespect someone by unintentionally dropping in I apologize.
3) I turn the other shoulder if people drop-in or paddle-battle...a few times. Make a habit out of it and I ll let you know, up close and personal.
Basically, stand your ground but don t be a dick. If you re soft the guys out there will never let you catch a single wave, if you re a dick you ll get run out or in a fight. Personally, my favorite place to surf in the Bay is Ocean Beach, SF. The paddle out there is so incredibly difficult that it keeps everyone away but the true athletes (make no mistake, only a bona-fide athlete can make the paddle, even in 3-5 ft waves), and if you can actually make it through the 200 yard zone of death out to the lineup you ll earn respect and a nod from everyone there for not drowning in the process. It s more of a Welcome, brother! vibe than a Get out, you re in my way vibe. No kids (no self-respecting mother would let their kid surf OB), no beginners (they ll never make the paddle out), and no ego...everyone is too busy watching out for sharks and waves powerful enough to snap you Ike a twig. Literally.
2016-11-01 21:14:13 · answer #2 · answered by tommy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
naw just too many damn vampires.
I don't know much about Santa Cruz but try going out a few times, take your time and be cool. Most surfers are pretty chill.
2006-11-25 04:55:47 · answer #3 · answered by blondie22334455 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yeah santa cruz is really bad with localalism, depending on where you go, but if you know a local and go with them it'll be better. but the locals dont really threatn you with guns and knives... there is some kinda bad gang violence, so be careful in the beach flats area (by the boardwalk)
2006-11-25 10:22:31 · answer #4 · answered by shannon w 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Scruz gained the "murder" title back in the 70s, when there were two serial killers living there. The moniker means nothing now.
2006-11-24 13:48:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I wish to ask the same question as the user above.
2016-08-23 11:20:00 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i live in hawaii and i surf every day but i have not been to santa cruz. sorry
2006-11-24 18:15:35 · answer #7 · answered by Austin H 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋