Surfing and Swimming
While more experienced surfers head for Steamer Lane, many beginners paddle out from Cowells Beach, hoping to catch waves closer to shore. Water quality has been a problem at Cowells Beach.
Boogie boarders have a great time at Santa Cruz Beach as do skim boarders and body surfers.
Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.
Rough Water Swim
July TBA, 2024 at 11:00 AM. A 1-mile swim around the Santa Cruz Wharf, sponsored by the Santa Cruz Masters & Santa Cruz
City Surf Lifesaving Association. Part of Open Water Weekend, which includes a 2-mile Cruz Cruise swim.
(831) 420-5270 Rough Water Swim
Surf Schools
A number of organizations offer surfing lessons at Santa Cruz Beach. Surf Schools at Santa Cruz Beach are overseen by the City of Santa Cruz. Participants must wear a colored vest which identifies which surf school they are participating in.
- Adventure Out, 1 and 2-day classes for adults and teens.
- Club Ed, beginner - expert lessons, ages 9 through adult.
- Richard Schmidt Surf School, year-round surf school at Cowell Beach or Pleasure Point. Group and private instruction.
- Surf School Santa Cruz, group, private, and corporate lessons for all ages and skill levels.
Volleyball
Volleyball courts are available to the public on the main beach between the Boardwalk and the wharf. The California Beach Volleyball Association holds some of its events on Santa Cruz Beach. They have a variety of programs for all ages and abilities.
The Main Beach Volleyball Club was organized in 2002 to provide competitive junior volleyball programs for local female athletes. They have since expanded to include a boys' program.
Main Beach Volleyball Club
Free Movies on the Beach
Wednesdays at 9:00 PM from mid-June through mid-August on the Main Beach by the Boardwalk. Bring your blanket and a low back chair. Free.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Movie Schedule
Friday Night Bands on the Beach
Free shows on the beach every Friday beginning in mid-June through August. Two shows per night: 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Prime area seating begins
at 4:00 PM.
Schedule of performers: Friday Night Bands on the Beach
Wharf to Wharf Race
July 28, 2024
The annual race begins next to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and finds its way along the coast to the finish at Capitola Beach.
Wharf to Wharf Race
Cowell Beach Junior Lifeguard & Little Guard Programs
Every summer the City of Santa Cruz's Parks and Recreation Department offers its Junior Lifeguard and Little Guard programs at Cowell Beach. The programs for children and youths ages 6-17 teach them about safe marine and aquatic recreation. Participants improve their physical conditioning, their understanding a respect for the environment, along with respect for themselves and others.
Little Guards are for 6-8-year-olds and Junior Lifeguards for 9-17 year-olds. Participants receive instruction and practice in open water swimming, surfing, self-rescue, paddle boarding, beach games, and competition. Sessions meet at Cowell Beach west of the wharf. Registration information: (831) 420-5270
Registration: April TBA, 2024: Santa Cruz Junior & Little Lifeguards
Session 1 - June 12 - July 7, 2024
Session 2 - July 10 - August 4, 2024
