We invite you to register and compete in the Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival (SCKSF). It is the largest kayak surf contest in the world and attracts some of the best paddle powered wave magicians on the planet. The main reason is that Steamer Lane Middle Peak, is one of the best big breaks anywhere and is a wonderful wave to test your skills.. whether you're an expert or a novice.

The SCKSF is actually 2 contests. The Expert Categories have the area at Middle Peak where 10 ft. plus waves are possible. As you move back from the outer break the cliffs turn resulting in smaller, gentler waves. We can have an expert riding giant peaks, while folks in the Intermediate and Novice Categories can be experiencing smooth 2 to 3 foot swells at the same moment. Our objective in is to make the Intermediate and Novice sites more enjoyable.

We will have kayak ambassadors, expert paddlers, at the Intermediate and Novice Site to help answer questions, aid contestants in kayak re-entry in case of an accidental overturn and keep non-contestants out of the area. We have hired the California State Lifeguards to maintain safety at the contest and they will be stationed at the Intermediate and Novice area. They will be bringing Personal Water Craft (PWC) as their safety craft, a proven superior vehicle for water rescue. The Intermediate and Novice events are planed at a minus tide so that getting out of a kayak is easy and a simple walk to shore.

The Intermediate Categories will display a new form of fun competition by putting all paddle craft in length criteria, “over 9” and “under 9” feet. The Novice Category will have Plastic Production and Sit-on-Top. And new this year, participants in the "Wave Ski Expert Open" category will compete for a $500 prize donated by Island Wave Ski. Plus, Volkswagon is on deck to shuttle and display their great line of cars. The emphasis is on fun and growth of the sport.

The SCKSF is guaranteed to deliver some great times. The kick off party Thursday night is to be presented by Adventure Sports Unlimited (ASU), Teva, Class V Surf Dogs, Ocean Kayak and Necky. We hope to set the stage for nightly parties to follow where all facets of the kayaking world will be come together with food and drink to foster creative thought. We welcome athletes, manufacturers, spectators and ocean aware people to join us in this Great Show.

For more information contact Dennis.