Packed waters around Cowell’s Beach has safety officials urging surfers to follow etiquette

It’s no secret surfers and beach goers flock to Santa Cruz during the summer.

That’s why Santa Cruz safety officials are warning those hitting the water to follow the rules of surfing.

Fire crews and lifeguards have responded to several injury accidents in the past few months surrounding Cowell Beach near the boardwalk. They said with a crowd that is filled with many beginner surfers that can play a roll in those accidents.

“You can go buy a surfboard and wetsuit and go paddle on your own and not really have any idea what you’re doing and unfortunately that leaves you not aware of the safety aspects,” said Marine Safety Officer Brendan Daly.

James Webber said he surfs at Cowell’s weekly and has seen dozens of close calls.

“People not holding there boards when a wave comes they’ll just ditch it and try to go under and it’ll send a 9 and a half foot board through the line up with kids. I’ve seen a lot of head lacerations or just bruised for heads,” Webber said.

Daly recommends starting out with someone who knows what they’re doing.

“Don’t just go buy a disposable surf board, what you should do is sign up with a surf instructor or surf school, and they can take you out in a safe way and they can teach you the history and etiquette of surfing and you’ll get a lot more out of the experience that way,” Daly said.

Some surfers KION spoke with say they understand it’s part of the territory when coming to Cowell’s, “Cowell’s is meant for the beginners so it’s expected for that kind of stuff.”