When it comes to Surfing, Is Santa Cruz really that bad with localism?

Question

I just moved to the central valley (near Fresno) from San Diego. I'am close to all of the central coast surfing hot-spots, including Santa Cruz. I'am a dedicated and experienced surfer who always goes out in the water with a good attitude, and I always show respect (I never drop in on anyone). I can also defend my self against local kooks (the people that think that they own the water and the beach) if I have to. Anyway, I want to start surfing in Santa Cruz (because the surf is supposed to be world-class) and some of my buddies back in San Diego told me that Santa Cruz locals are really bad, meaning that they threaten people with knives and guns, and I also heard that Santa Cruz, in general is the "Murder Capital" of the West Coast. Is there any truth to this? If so, then I will go up there prepared.

Answer 1

yeah santa cruz is really bad with localalism, depending on where you go, but if you know a local and go with them it'll be better. but the locals dont really threatn you with guns and knives...  there is some kinda bad gang violence, so be careful in the beach flats area (by the boardwalk)

Answer 2

depends on where u go, when u go there, and how u act.  my buddy got dropped in on by matt rockhold, and then rockhold yelled at him and threatened to fight him for surfing behing him, and that was at the hook.  so it can be kinda ridiculous.  if you have a good attitude (and you say you do) you dont have to know anyone to surf anywhere, any day with one exception.  when its big everywhere, but not big enough for mavericks to break, everybody who would be surfing there paddles out at stockton ave.  you do hear about guns and knives there.  also, if you surf any of the spots north of town that are considered by some to be "secret" spots, and you bring some big-*** group, or act like a douche, dont be suprised to find ur keyholes glued shut, ur windows waxed, tires slashed, **** on the hood etc.

really though, as long as u act cool and know how to surf, and dont paddle out at stockton on the wrong day, u will not have a problem.  peace

Answer 3

naw just too many d**n vampires.

I don't know much about Santa Cruz but try going out a few times, take your time and be cool. Most surfers are pretty chill.

Answer 4

Scruz gained the "murder" title back in the 70s, when there were two serial killers living there.  The moniker means nothing now.

Answer 5

i live in hawaii and i surf every day but i have not been to santa cruz. sorry