Surfing Monument
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...