Let me start by saying that I'm amazed that nobody has yet Yelped this event. Considering the…read morepopularity of other running events in this area, it's actually quite surprising. In any case, allow me to offer the first review. This is actually a dual event, a half and full marathon (with the latter being the Surfer's Path Marathon) that is really a marriage between Wharf To Wharf and the Santa Cruz Half Marathon. I ran the half so hopefully soon someone can provide some feedback on the full. If you love Wharf To Wharf (and this year's race selling out in one day suggests that you do), and you're into the half marathon scene, then you're going to love this run! Let me premise with this: The course is almost the precise route Wharf To Wharf is held on - with the difference being that runners loop around the Capitola wharf area and obviously run back. Expect a few rolling hills throughout the course to add a bit of challenge for you (in case 13.1 miles isn't enough) and the typical support of the Santa Cruz and Capitola communities as you run by. It would be irresponsible for me not to mention the finish line. Once you've completed about 13 miles, they've saved the last 30 or 40 yards for you on the beach... in the sand. So, if the miles you've just completed weren't difficult enough, be prepared for the change in footing. I actually stumbled a bit at that point and then gave a quick look around to see if anyone noticed. Oh yeah, it's the finish line, there are several thousand people there, and yes, they noticed. To rub salt into that would, my name was read by the race announcer as I crossed the finish line. Now everyone knows my name - you know "that guy that almost fell." That said, don't expect any glamorous photos at the finish line, and yes, there are photographers there to capture your special moment. I would suggest positioning yourself for more favorable action shots from the photographers elsewhere throughout the course. If you're into the bling, you'll appreciate the finisher's medal. Though smaller than many of my other medals, it's still pretty cool and has a fancy ribbon (I'm big on a nice ribbon - details man). This year's race was met with an absolute clear sky and a nice cool morning air that was perfect for running. That's part of the reason why I waited a week to post this. I wanted to wait and come off of my high from the race so I could give a better thought out perspective. My only real knock on this event is with the limited expo. Though at the beach in Capitola (which is cool), there weren't a lot of vendors. And of those that were there, many were advertising other races. Also, the packet pick up is kind of a pain. Considering the time of year, the weather is warming and more people are headed to the beach. So the seemingly simple task of parking your car to pick up your gear can become quite adventurous. Also, being from the San Jose area, it's inconvenient to have to make that drive just to pick up my bib. I will offer this though: Did I see a packet pick up on race day? I'm pretty sure there was a table that was staffed with WAY too many volunteers that was for race day pick ups. If that's the case, then please ignore my earlier complaint. To sum this up, think of the little things that you dislike about Wharf To Wharf and imagine those things no longer being an issue. Imagine not having to deal with parking and those damn bus lines! Imagine a race where there are only a fraction of the runners that are in Wharf To Wharf. I'm not sure. Now that I think about this, I like the race the way it is. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot here by providing a Yelp review and drawing more attention to it. Maybe I don't want too many people knowing about this. Maybe I don't want it to lose its charm by becoming more popular and bigger. I'm conflicted.

This is my second time to take my granddaughter to Ride A Wave. I really like the buddy system…read more Last year she did the kayak once. Now at 8 she was excited to kayak and did so twice. I really appreciate the volunteers that give their time to do this special event. Next year we're determined to do the surfing.

I guess I'm one of those "hot humanitarian chicks in bikinis" Salty Von B. writes of in the only…read moreother review for RAW. While I'm flattered, I'm surprised no one else has shared the wonders of what it is that makes Ride A Wave so amazing. For a few weeks every spring/summer, Ride A Wave hosts children and adults with a range of disabilities from all over California to participate in the wonders of the Pacific Ocean at Cowell's Beach in Santa Cruz. On any given weekend in May or June, you will see a host of volunteers aiding in great kayaking, boogie boarding and surfing times! You don't have to be a water person to volunteer either. RAW is a completely volunteer based organization, and we can use you no matter what your skill set is. We always need folks on the beach to help keep our "campers" comfortable and safe. Sometimes it's just about being someone's special friend for the day. And trust me when I say this is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. I've helped calm the nerves of an Autistic child get over his fears of the water to watch him completely wig out at how cool kayaking can be (and then not want to leave the boat, but that's another story). Every year we host children with pediatric cancers... knowing full well that we may not see them again next year... and for a couple of hours RAW makes it possible for them to just be kids again. No worries about needles and doctors. Just kids splashing around, throwing sand, enjoying life. Ride A Wave is outfitted to handle the most challenging of disabilities, and we try and accommodate everyone who comes to our camps. Regardless of how much is going on in your life, I always ask people to just come down for a day and check us out. I promise you will leave completely changed.

I had a great time riding with Dave. I had been told by several people not to ride solo in Santa…read moreCruz, and they were all right. The trails around UCSC are a maze, but Dave knows them incredibly well and even had a hand in building them. It was more like riding with a buddy than a guide. I highly recommend that you book Dave if you want to have a great mtnb experience!

I hugely enjoyed my four-hour "Lifts" Clinic with Dave Robinson of The Ride Guides. I'm not a…read morenatural athlete on a mountain bike, but that didn't seem to matter to Dave. His show of certainty about my abilities--and his joy of teaching, had this 73 year old guy bouncing around a field, lifting wheels, and feeling just thrilled that I could have some fun on this clumbering machine with big wheels. I saw that he seemed to find out who each of us were, and then he did this Yoda-thing for her, for him, and for me. This was a day so well spent. Thanks, Dave.

This 5K marathon is quite a laid back version of the marathons held in the bay area. When this was…read moreposted in Groupon it was advertised to be in the Fairground but it was actually held at the Almaden Lake park. The beauty of the place makes it a relaxing and fun event for all ages. Anyone, young and old was geared up in their super hero costumes. There was even a guy in the wheelchair participating. During the pre-run event, the organizers set up a bouncy house for the kiddos with music playing for the participants. There was also a photo booth to take your super power poses and fight the evils of morning cramps, dehydration and kiddo tantrums. The registration starts at 8 am., 8:45 would be the warm ups and 9:00 is the start of the run/walk. There are different stalls for vendors with goodies to offer. There is also a booth for free massages if you can wait. The weather is breezy with no hint of rain. Thank heavens! It was such a fun experience to see people and kids doing this. I personally ran for about 15 seconds and then walked the next hour and 10 minutes...Lol! Was I bummed with my time? Heck no! I was just glad I got to finish it like everyone else and got to reach every poke stop to replenish my supplies for Pokemon Go . Got my medal, water bottle and banana at the end of it all....and got to evolve my Rhyhorn

I've been wanting to learn to sail for a long time and wish I'd found this program as it is the…read morebest and most affordable way to learn to sail. It has been around for a long time and well known by locals, but not widely publicized that the public can take classes and join a community Sailing program. This is what I've learned so far. They offer dinghy and keelboat classes for the public during the summer months. They also have a community boating where you can sail with others or get checked off to take boats out. The community boating has something that's very unique, a Monday night women's only sail. The new director Cullen is amazing! Not only is he a great sailor and teacher, he's been managing our classes through a lot of changes and turmoil during the Harbor construction project. In addition to all the chaos he's managing at the harbor, he's looking at ways to expand the community boating beyond the summer months so more people can have the opportunity to learn to sail. Hope to see you on the waters.

May 16, 2010. My Mom's 47th birthday.. and the day I did my first cycling event. Although we woke…read moreup to some dreary, cold weather.. we still were down to complete this event. It sprinkled a bit but thankfully stopped by the time we arrived for check in. We got our ride started at 8:30am. Several uphill climbs.. many little hills.. lots of strawberry fields. Hence the name, Strawberry Fields Forever. So cute.. We met a lot of nice folks along the way who were friendly, caring, helpful, and supportive. Many people would ask us if we were ok while we were stopped on the side waiting for others who happened to get separated from us which was really kind. I saw lots of older folks with some nice, stylish bikes! Actually, most of the people doing the event had pretty bikes! Makes me want to pretty up mine too =) For my first time, I found that the event was not organized so well. But being that it IS my first event, I don't know what else to compare it to so I'm only docking one point. We checked in at a parking lot near Pajaro Valley HS because the HS got full.. but we weren't able to pick up the shirts we bought since it was at the HS. Also, we weren't told about the colored arrows on the road at all.. so when our map blew away, we somehow got onto the 65 mile trail (following the large group of people) and that cut into our trip an extra 20 minutes or so. Luckily, we ran into other cyclists who were kind enough to give us the map but then told us about the colored arrows spray painted on the road. We didn't really need the map now that we knew about them.. but it was still handy in telling us how much further we had to go. After we completed the 25 mile ride, we had ONE last uphill battle to face before we were able to grab lunch at the HS. We were super happy to be nearing the finish, but our tired thighs could just barely handle the last little surprise climb to the HS. At the high school, they served a nice lunch of chicken, several salads, brown rice, beans, juice, and fresh strawberries with chocolate and whip cream. Later on in the day when the other cyclists doing the 65 mile ride had finished, they had massage chairs set up in the cafeteria ($1/min) where we were eating as well as other interesting set-ups. I got to touch a newt and a golpher snake from this nice man's informational table. I think it was a program for HS kids. Overall, I enjoyed my first cycling event and only wished the weather was a little warmer. Perhaps if the sun peaked out a bit from behind the clouds.. but there's always next year! PS. They had 25 miles, 65 miles, and 100 miles ride options. Hopefully I'll be ready for the 65 next year!

My nine year old daughter has been dying to ride dirt bikes but living in Aptos it is such a task…read moreto make it to the closest track in Hollister. The Kuberg Cross was an awesome alternative. Since it is an electric bike I can load it in my truck or SUV or even the back seat of a car. It's light weight and virtually silent so she can ride pretty much anywhere a kid can ride a normal bike. This weekend she got to ride at Hollister Hills with the gas powered bikes on the track and was soooo excited when she got to pass them up. The bike has a lot of power and I love that we were able to dial down the power while she was learning. Great customer service and support from the staff at Kuberg is just an added bonus for a single mom who knows nothing about dirt bikes. I can't wait to get my 4 year old son going on a Kuberg Start Trials bike :-)

Nice beach. Went…read moreBodyboarding here today and had a good time. Seems to be one of the better beach breaks for spongers. Parking sucks though, it's all permit parking but this could also be looked at as a good thing as there aren't a lot of people out in the water. Then again the sets were a couple feet overhead and pounding sooo... IDK this was like my 3rd time in Santa Cruz what do I know ?