Santa Cruz Surf History and Culture Tour

Trip Highlights:

• See the spot where surfing was introduced to mainland America by Hawaiian princes in 1885
• Learn to identify surf breaks and read ocean conditions
• Insider tips on surf shops, viewing spots, and local surf traditions
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - where Duke Kahanamoku demonstrated his legendary water feats
• Cowell Beach - premier beginner surf spot and longboarding renaissance birthplace
• Steamer Lane - world-famous surf break with multiple peaks (The Point, The Slot, Middle Peak)
• Hear stories about the innovators: Jack O'Neill, Sam Reid, Dorothy Becker to today's aerial heroes and big wave legends
• Lighthouse Point - marine wildlife viewing including sea lions, harbor seals, otters, and migrating whales
• West Cliff Drive - scenic tour of various surf breaks and coastal geography
• Small group experience (maximum 10 people) for personalized attention

Book Your Tour

ADULT (18+): $45

CHILD (6-17): $30

Kids 5 and under and Seniors over 72 are FREE with adult ticket purchased

Duration:

2 hours

Schedule:

Thursday at 10am

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Description

Santa Cruz isn't just a surf town - it's THE surf town. This is where mainland surfing in America truly began, where wetsuit innovation flourished, and where surf culture evolved from Hawaiian roots into the phenomenon it is today. On this oceanfront journey, you'll walk in the footsteps of legends, from the three Hawaiian princes who rode waves at the San Lorenzo Rivermouth on Main Beach in 1885 to the modern shapers and surfers who continue to push the sport forward. We'll explore iconic surf spots, learn to read the waves and conditions, discover the innovations that flourished in Santa Cruz (like wetsuit and skateboard technology), and understand how surf culture permeates every aspect of this coastal community. Along the way, you'll also encounter sea lions, harbor seals, seabirds, and maybe even dolphins or whales, experiencing the vibrant marine ecosystem that makes Santa Cruz special. This tour isn't just about surfing history - it's about understanding how the ocean shapes everything about life in this unique coastal town.

Important Information

Where does it start?

At the Boardwalk's Aloha Terrace Group Picnic Area (next to the Beach Volleyball Courts)

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Private Tours

We're happy to arrange private tours or build custom group tours for schools, corporate teams, non-profits, family reunions, and more.

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Want a different tour?

We have many other tours to choose from in a variety of topics, languages, and group sizes.

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What Makes This Tour Special

Why take this tour?

Dive into the heart of surf culture at its West Coast birthplace. This oceanfront tour explores how surfing shaped Santa Cruz's identity and continues to define our coastal community today.

Included

• Expert guide knowledgeable about surf history, culture, and marine life
• Oceanfront walking route with spectacular coastal views
• Small group experience (maximum 10 people) for personalized attention
• Live surfing observation at multiple world-class surf spots
• Marine wildlife viewing opportunities (sea lions, seals, otters, birds)
• Learn to identify surf breaks and read ocean conditions
• Insider knowledge of local surf culture, shops, and traditions
• Photo opportunities at iconic Santa Cruz coastal landmarks

Matt Knows His Surf

I've spent years studying Santa Cruz surf culture—and I've lived it, too.

I started boogie boarding at the Wharf and Finger Bowl in the late'70s, then graduated to stand-up surfing at Cowells and Steamer Lane. (My first board was an old beat-up single fin from the long-gone Otto and Jeanne's surf spot.) I competed in the O'Neill Coldwater Classic and a few Bud Tour events. In the early '90s, I co-founded a regional surf magazine called The Juice with Eric Mitchell—documenting the surf culture I was living. I also wrote a little piece on Medium about surfing well into middle age.

Matt surfing a small cove off West Cliff, 1990 - Photo Bud Clark

I've taught friends and family to surf, got my sons hooked early, and chased waves across Hawaii, Bali, Maldives, Costa Rica, France, Cook Islands, Nicaragua, California, Oregon, Mexico—even New York...and I'm still surfing today 🏄‍♂️

Matt surfing up the coast in 2025 - Photo Nola Moosman

I look forward to sharing my deep knowledge of Santa Cruz surf history, culture, and especially the stoke with you! Join me on the Surf History and Culture Tour and discover what makes Santa Cruz such an amazing place.

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