2013

P a d d l e f e s t

Santa Cruz

Jim Grossman

PhotograPhy aaron schmidttext dave shively and charli Kerns

editor in Chief Jeff Moag

Managing editor Dave Shively

Senior editor Joe Carberry

Creative direCtor Robert Zaleski

art direCtor Parker Meek

Photo editor Aaron Schmidt

onLine editor Charli Kerns

Studio PhotograPher JP Van Swae

sean morely Ken KinG

surfers can usually count on late-winter swell to fill “the lane.” But this year’s stacked international roster of kayak surfers, waveski and standup pad-dlers also cashed in on sunshine and low wind to create optimal conditions for a memorable 27th running of the santa cruz Paddlefest. the renowned annual paddle-surfing event sets aside california’s steamer lane for the duration of the contest, providing paddlers an unparalleled ven-ue to take over the typically crowded surf break near the heart of santa cruz and to showcase their skills.

“it’s a pretty amazing event,” says devon Barker, one of the favorites to win the women’s interna-tional class. “i mean, you’re sharing the best surf spot with only three other people. What could be better?” Former event winner Galen licht later agreed, “i’ve surfed all around the world, and nothing compares to this spot and this event.”

considered one of the West coast’s premier point breaks, steamer lane was pumping all weekend. through rounds of judged heats, the world-class paddlers on hand competed for brag-ging rights, cheers from the weekend crowds as-sembling along the bluff, plus two ultimate prizes: the title of West coast kayak surf champion of the newly formed Pacific Paddle surf series, and the right to represent the U.s. West team in the upcoming July world championships in australia.

devon BarKer

results:high Performance Men: sean morleyhigh Performance Women: Kate duncan

international Men: Jim Grossman international Women: devon Barker

the Waveski open: tyler lausten

the Kayak intermediate open: cate hawthorne

overaLL ChaMPionS of the PaCifiC PaddLe Surf SerieS 2013Waveski: tyler laustenSurf Kayak: Jim GrossmanSuP: dave Boehne

tyler laUsten Goes Fins -Free at the lane

Ken KinG PUlls a tiGht line aFter a deeP taKePoFF

tyler laUsten aFter a Great

heat. laUsten Went on to

Win the Wave sKi division.

Ken KinG With a massive cUtBacK. the sUrF KayaK commUnity is a small one. dave

Johnston and Jim Grossman BetWeen heats.

steamer lane oFFers excellent

vieWinG For sPectators.