Surfing in California is akin to religion. So, being a new native of the 415; I decided to take a trip down the golden coast to absorb some of the vibe that had oozed through Beach Boy records- and try my hand at it. One of the NorCal mecca's (amongst many) is Santa Cruz- and so to the Santa Cruz Surf School I went. Just an hour and 20 minutes down the 880 > 17 the ocean views appear through the winding evergreens, and not long after that; you hit the Welcome sign.
There is something of a self-fulfilling-prophecy of the surf town. By its nature, it attracts bohemian types with an appreciation for a slower pace of life than most others. The architecture of the urban centre alone; speaks softly of the 60's; when 'east coast girls were hip'; and has not changed much I suspect in the past 30 years at least.
After learning the basics of paddling, arching and standing; we got to try our hand on the waves (the water was glassy.. there were no waves as such). Aided by Engau our Brazilian instructor. Having crashed out 3 times, I eventually caught a slow ride on the shore on my oversized foamtop- but I have been hooked!
I cannot wait to go back.
