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Surfer Statue.

Surfing Monument

Field review by the editors.

Santa Cruz, California

A dramatic cliff face south of Santa Cruz leads to the old brick lighthouse (which houses the Surfing Museum). Along the way, overlooking a prime surfing spot, are a couple of monuments to the sport. The "official" surfing monument was commissioned and dedicated in May 1992. Titled "To Honor Surfing," the bronze of a male surfer standing in front of his board was created by sculptors Brian W. Curtis and Thomas Marsh.

A nearby plaque notes that the tiny park and statue is "dedicated to all surfers, past present and future." The figure was inspired by members of the Santa Cruz Surfing Club, which dates back to 1936.

A wooden park bench faces the statue and ocean, with this carved into the back rest: "In Memory of All Surfers Who Have Caught Their Last Wave -- Santa Cruz Surfing Club."

That cheery send-off has more context if you continue south to the unofficial Dead Surfers Memorial...

Surfing Monument

Address:
W. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA
Directions:
W. Cliff Dr. and Pelton Ave. Free parking in spots along the drive.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Dead Surfers MemorialDead Surfers Memorial, Santa Cruz, CA - < 1 mi.
First Surfers Plaque, Museum with Shark Bite BoardFirst Surfers Plaque, Museum with Shark Bite Board, Santa Cruz, CA - < 1 mi.
Kitchen's Court of MysteriesKitchen's Court of Mysteries, Santa Cruz, CA - 1 mi.
In the region:
Casa de Fruta, Hollister, CA - 36 mi.

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