March 17, 2001
http://www.santa-cruz.com
| Luis Albano of Spain navigates the Steamer Lane surf during competition on Friday. Sentinel photo by Bill Lovejoy |
SANTA CRUZ — While 160 of the most talented surf kayakers in the world maneuvered through the waves at Steamer Lane on Friday, it was easy to see why the fledgling sport’s enthusiasts voted to hold the world championships in Santa Cruz.
Dennis Judson, the World Surf Kayaking Championship event organizer, said there are several reasons why Santa Cruz is the ideal community in which to hold the event.
"We decided to make Santa Cruz the home of the world championships, in an election, because this is such a great surfing community," said Judson, who is also the owner of Adventure Sports Unlimited. "This town knows how to put on surf competitions. And the waves are great."
Qualifying heats will conclude today with the finals for all events to be held on Sunday.
The championships moved to the Central Coast permanently after being held in a number of different venues throughout the world, Judson said.
The sport’s first official world championship was held in Santa Cruz in 1993. Since the inaugural championship, the event has also been hosted by Costa Rica, Scotland and, most recently, Brazil.
Holding the event in Santa Cruz has another advantage, said Judson — it’s easier to get the kayak manufacturers to come to Santa Cruz than it is to get them to travel overseas.
"This is one of the most significant kayak events in the world," Judson said. "One of our goals is to advance the sport. We wanted to make sure the manufactures were included in the world championships as well."
The numerous manufacturer booths are all a part of the festival-like atmosphere surrounding the championships. First, get people out to the event to watch the best surf kayakers in the world. Then when spectators have questions about equipment, have experts on hand to answer the questions.
"This is the first time we’ve gotten all the manufacturers to the world championships, so it’s pretty special," Judson said.
Judson said the manufacturers will display the latest surf kayak designs, will offer paddling demos and sponsor the Manufacturers’ Team Rodeo Surf Challenge, today at 10 a.m.
Another reason for Santa Cruzans to come to Steamer Lane over the final two days of the championships is to root on the 15 locals who are participating in the competition.
Two locals of note — Dave Johnston (the reigning International Class world champion) and Mark Pastick — plan to make their mark in the final two days of the competition.
"We want this to be a festival for the people," said Judson. "Anyone who loves surf and loves this town should also love the event."