Normally this website is focused on North County San Diego and our brethren in south SD and the OC but for the next two weeks the surf world is focusing it's attention on Nor-Cal. Don't worry- no secret spots will be exposed. But if the weather models hold up- there could be some fun surf for the world to witness at Steamer Lane and Ocean Beach.
First up is the O'Neill Coldwater Classic Santa Cruz being held today through Halloween. A legendary contest that's been run for eons at Steamer Lane. Probably the best Coldwater ever was 1990 when a re-born Curren took down Kong in solid surf. It probably won't be as big this year but there still should be some overhead sets for the boys to take apart. And since it's a Prime Event (kind of like a BCS bowl game) a lot of big names are showing up to surf it- especially since it's only a few days before the WCT Rip Curl event (more on that below). In the meantime, the Coldwater will have a great mix of locals, WQS warriors, and ASP super stars. Like Alejo Muniz, Ratboy, Pat Gudauskas, Cory Lopez, Kolohe, Sunny, the return of Timmy Reyes, Wilko, Freddy P, Nat Young (the teen not the Animal), Dusty, Julian, Gabriel, John John, Eric Geiselmann (where have you been?), Ace, Kai Neville star Mitch Coleborn, Kerr, French wunderkid Lacomare, Knox, Simpo, Curran (not Curren) and a ton of other guys I can't fit on to the page. Long story short, it's one of the most eclectic cast of characters ever assembled for a surf contest and it should be damn fun to watch.
If your idea of a contest isn't a freak show but rather men battling the elements, then let's pray to God Ocean Beach delivers bombs for the Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco. If you've ever seen this stretch of beach during a solid swell, then you know what the pros are in for- massive currents, set waves breaking 100 yards outside the line up (actually on HUGE days it's miles out), sharks, fog, and water so cold it's no wonder a wetsuit company like Rip Curl is sponsoring it (O'Neill can't of course because they already have their own event 100 mile south). Anyway... models show a little more surf for this event vs. the Coldwater but it doesn't start until November 1st so a lot of things can change between now and then. But Ocean Beach is never flat. And I mean never. Don't expect to see pros wiggling across waist high flat sections like a Brazil event. So at least it should be fun and rippable every day. And the ASP of course will wait until it gets big- so it's going to be fun watching Kelly, Mick, Jordy, Julian, Owen, and Adriano ride bigger boards for a change. Look for solid man turns and barrels to get the high scores. Yes there's hope for power surfing!
