March 12, 2001

http://www.santa-cruz.com

Competitors test the waves for surf kayaking championship

By HEATHER BOERNER
Sentinel staff writer

SANTA CRUZ

Dave Johnston can’t wait to get out on the waves.

The owner of Venture Quest Kayaking on Beach Street wants to strap into his kayak and join the throng of kayakers who have been descending on Santa Cruz County for the past few days in preparation for this week’s World Surf Kayaking Championships.

The difference is that Johnston is the reigning world champion.

The paddlers already have been testing the waves. Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz was packed with kayakers Friday morning as head-high swells rolled through.

About 100 nationally ranked kayakers from 12 countries are expected for the contest, which draws hundreds of onlookers.

Preliminaries will take place Tuesday and Wednesday at Manresa State Beach. The competition then moves to Steamer Lane for the finals Saturday and Sunday.

This will be the second time the championships have taken place in Santa Cruz. The event is being held in conjunction with the Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival. Food and retail booths will line West Cliff Drive during the finals. Organizers also are offering a silent auction benefiting Save Our Shores and the Surfrider Foundation.

The National Weather Service in Monterey reported the swell the next few days will depend on the winds, but good waves are possible. If they do arrive, it would be in sharp contrast to the waves at Santa Cruz’s last ocean event. February’s O’Neill Cold Water Classic surf contest was dubbed the "Flat Water Classic" by many observers.

Event organizers hope the festival draws attention to their sport. Most local kayak shops are participating.

Venture Quest sponsored kayaking demonstrations Saturday and Sunday. Kayak Connection is planning a booth, while Adventure Sports is co-sponsoring the event.

"This competition is important for the sport because it raises its visibility," said Amy Recker of Kayak Connection. "And it increases business in general, as well, as people come into the shop and say, ‘I want to learn what they were doing out there.’"

Contact Heather Boerner at hboerner@santa-cruz.com.