A Glimpse into the Santa Cruz Paddlefest Legacy
The History of World Surf Kayaking Competitions: A Glimpse into the Santa Cruz Paddlefest Legacy
Surf kayaking, a thrilling fusion of kayaking and surfing, has seen significant evolution over the decades. Its competitions have grown from humble beginnings to an internationally recognized sport, with one pivotal event at the heart of this history: the Santa Cruz Paddlefest (formerly known as the Santa Cruz Kayak Festival). In this post, we take you through the history of surf kayaking competitions and highlight the vital role played by the Santa Cruz Paddlefest in shaping the global scene.
Early Years: Pre-1988
The roots of surf kayaking competitions trace back to the 1960s in Great Britain, as well as on both the U.S. East and West coasts. Early contests were often informal and regionally based, with countries in the British Isles—England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Jersey—holding their own competitions under the British Canoe Union (BCU).
The 1980s: The Rise of Competitive Surf Kayaking
By the early 1980s, surf kayaking had gained traction in the United States. Oregon became a hub for surf kayaking contests, with regular events beginning in 1980. But it was in 1985 that one of the most influential surf kayaking events was born: The Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival. Organized by Adventure Sports Unlimited, this festival brought together paddlers from around the world, taking place annually in March at Steamer Lane, a world-famous point break in Santa Cruz, California.
1988: International Recognition
In 1988, the Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival gained even more significance when a U.S. team, selected at the festival, traveled to Ireland to compete in the British Canoe Union Home Open Competition. The U.S. team, using plastic Perception Dancers and Sabers designed for whitewater slalom racing, triumphed in the kayak category, marking the start of the U.S.'s competitive prominence in surf kayaking.
1990s: The Expansion of World Championships
The 1990s saw the Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival evolve into a truly international event. In 1991, the U.S. team captured its first world title on foreign waves at the event in Thurso, Scotland. By 1993, the Santa Cruz festival hosted the first official World Surf Kayak Championships, drawing teams from Costa Rica, the British Isles, Canada, and the U.S.
In 1995, Costa Rica hosted the World Championships in the sunny warmth of Boca Barranca, where the U.S. fielded both East and West Coast teams. However, it was England who took the team title.
Late 1990s to Early 2000s: Surf Kayaking Goes Global
By the late 1990s, surf kayaking had grown beyond its initial boundaries. Events were now held in places like Brazil, Spain, and France, attracting competitors from across the globe. In 1997, the World Championships were held again in Thurso, Scotland, where the event expanded to include High Performance boats in exhibition classes. England continued its dominance, retaining the world team title.
The 2000s saw Santa Cruz hosting the World Championships once more in 2001, a testament to its central role in surf kayaking. That year, the island of Jersey emerged victorious in the team competition, narrowly edging out the U.S. West Coast team.
The 2010s: Paddlefest Evolution and Expansion
By 2011, the Santa Cruz Kayak Festival had grown into a celebration of all things paddling, leading to the rebranding of the event as the Santa Cruz Paddlefest. The event, which expanded to include Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) surfing and ocean paddle racing, began drawing more participants from around the globe. In 2013, the event added the Cowell’s Classic—an intermediate surf event—which made it even more accessible to beginner and intermediate paddlers.
While Santa Cruz continued to serve as the heart of surf kayaking competitions, other world-class events were held in places like Australia, Portugal, and Spain, showcasing the sport's growing international appeal.
The 2020s: Challenges and New Beginnings
The 2020s have been a challenging time for surf kayaking competitions, with the COVID-19 pandemic leading to the cancellation of the Santa Cruz Paddlefest in 2020. For the next few years, the event faced difficulties with securing necessary safety personnel and rising costs, leading to a hiatus. However, in 2024, new energy emerged when Bryon Dorr and Julie Mitravich took over the event, and by December 2024, the Santa Cruz Paddlefest LLC was formed under Dorr's leadership.
As we look ahead, the 2025 Santa Cruz Paddlefest is scheduled for March 28-30, a beacon of hope for surf kayaking fans eager to return to the waves. This event promises to continue the legacy of the Santa Cruz Paddlefest and its pivotal role in the history of world surf kayaking competitions.
Conclusion: A Living Legacy
The Santa Cruz Paddlefest, along with its predecessors, has been a foundational pillar of the global surf kayaking community. Its history is rich with international competition, groundbreaking performances, and unforgettable moments on the water. As we move forward, the legacy of these competitions will continue to inspire new generations of paddlers to chase the thrill of surf kayaking and embrace the joy of ocean adventure.
If you have any memories, photos, or stories to share about surf kayaking or the Santa Cruz Paddlefest, please reach out at surf@santacruzpaddlefest.com—this is a living document, and we welcome contributions to help continue shaping this history.
A huge thank you to Mary Armon, Rick Starr, and Buck Johnson for their help in compiling the early history of the sport. Here's to the future of surf kayaking!
