Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve

08/30/2026

Breaking! New cliff erosion at Steamer Lane 🪨⚠️

At approximately 12:45pm local time today, another significant section of the cliff eroded and fell at Steamer Lane.

The cliff remains unstable, so please stay back from the edge and use caution when nearby.

The Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve is monitoring the situation and assessing any effects on the wave. 🌊

Have you surfed the Lane since the most recent cliff erosion?

We’re seeking firsthand input from the people out in the water. Whether you’ve noticed changes to the wave or not, be a surf scientist for 2 minutes! 🔬🏄

Click the link in bio to take our quick survey and help us track how the break is naturally evolving.

📹 Surfline

07/31/2026

https://www.savethewaves.org/summer-update-santa-cruz-world-surfing-reserve/

As the season evolves, so does the coastline. Here is the latest on what’s happening along the Santa Cruz coastline and how you can take action to look after this epic surf ecosystem.

06/24/2026

Locals catching air 🐋🐋

The Steamer Lane camera caught 2 large whales breaching at the same time yesterday.

Amazing to see wildlife like this just outside the waves - a true thriving surf ecosystem.

Great find 🔭

🎥:

03/26/2026

Tonight at 🍕🍻

Join Save The Waves Coalition for an evening exploring the surf economy of Santa Cruz through a short film screening, followed by a live panel discussion and audience Q&A with local experts and community members. We will be introducing the California Surf Reserves Bill: new legislation aimed at protecting the surf breaks and coastal ecosystems that matter most to our community

• 6:30 PM — Doors open, drinks & mingling
• 7:00 PM — Film screening
• 7:15 PM — Panel discussion & Q&A
• 8:00 PM — How to take action

Panelists:
Gary Griggs - Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences
Hilary Bryant - Former Mayor and Startup Co-founder
Jennifer Savage - California Policy Associate Director at Surfrider Foundation
Justin Cummings - Santa Cruz County Supervisor and Former Coastal Commissioner
Peter Mel - Big Wave World Champion, WSL Commentator, and Surf Shop Owner

RSVP at the link in our bio

03/25/2026

Meet the Panel for Thursday’s “What is the Value of a Wave” Event

Gary Griggs – Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences
Gary Griggs has taught at UC Santa Cruz for 58 years, mentoring 78 graduate students and more than 18,000 undergraduates. In 2009, he was named a California Coastal Hero by the California Coastal Commission and Sunset Magazine. He also served 26 years as Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences, leading development of the Coastal Science Campus and Seymour Marine Discovery Center.

Hilary Bryant – Former Mayor and Startup Co-founder
Hilary Bryant is a former Santa Cruz Mayor, tech startup co-founder, and Director of Donor Services at the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. A lifelong ocean advocate, she chairs the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve and co-chairs the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, connecting surfing, community, and the coastal economy.

Jennifer Savage – California Policy Associate Director, Surfrider Foundation
Jennifer Savage works to protect California’s coast and ocean as Surfrider Foundation’s California Policy Associate Director. She focuses on climate resilience, preventing offshore oil drilling, and ensuring clean, accessible beaches. She has lived in Humboldt County for 28 years.

Justin Cummings – Santa Cruz County Supervisor
Justin Cummings is a Santa Cruz County Supervisor and former Coastal Commissioner. He previously served on the Santa Cruz City Council and is active in education, environmental justice, and youth development.

Peter Mel – Big Wave World Champion, Broadcaster, Surf Shop Owner
Peter Mel is a Santa Cruz–raised big-wave surfer and World Surf League commentator. Known for his achievements at Mavericks, he is a Big Wave World Champion and respected leader in the surf community. He also owns Freeline Surf Shop on 41st Avenue, continuing his family’s surf legacy.

Join us at 6:30 on March 26 at Patagonia on River St.

For more event info and to RSVP, tap the link in our bio.

03/18/2026

What is the Value of a Wave? Screening & Panel with Save The Waves 🌊

Surfing means so much to Santa Cruz: it drives our local economy, shapes our community, and connects us to the Monterey Bay sanctuary, which is an incredibly biodiverse ecosystem. But what happens when these waves and the ecosystems that support them aren't protected?

Join Save The Waves Coalition for an evening exploring the surf economy of Santa Cruz through a short film screening, followed by a live panel discussion and audience Q&A with local experts and community members. We will be introducing the California Surf Reserves Bill: new legislation aimed at protecting the surf breaks and coastal ecosystems that matter most to our community.

Hear from local surfers, scientists, business owners, and community leaders about what's at stake, what this bill could mean for Santa Cruz, and how you can get involved. This is a free community event; no tickets are required. Please RSVP(link in the comments) so we can plan accordingly.

Complementary drinks and refreshments will be provided 🍻

• 6:30 PM — Doors open, drinks & mingling
• 7:00 PM — Film screening
• 7:15 PM — Panel discussion & Q&A
• 8:00 PM — How to take action

📷 Will Henry

08/29/2025

Good news for the ocean! 🌊🌊🌊
Yesterday, the adopted the ordinance to ban the sale of single-use cigarette filters beginning in 2027.

Because the had previously passed it, the entire including Scotts Valley and Watsonville must also follow suit — making it the first county-wide ordinance like this on cigarette filters. A big win for the ocean and hopefully a precedent for other California communities to follow! The vote was passed unanimously.

06/23/2025

Save The Waves Film Festival is returning to Santa Cruz, on Friday July 11th! 🌊

Don’t miss the world’s only international surf and environmental film festival + support coastal conservation efforts!

Featuring stunning surf and ocean films, exclusive prize giveaways, community gathering + more!

Santa Cruz, California
When: Friday, July 11th | Doors at 6PM
Where: Rio Theater | 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

GET TICKETS 👇
savethewaves.org/filmfest

Supported by .wave with and

Poster art by

04/02/2025

Join us along with .art.science & in keeping the special Cowells Beach healthy and clean!!

03/02/2025

We 💙