More than two-dozen firefighters, law enforcement officials and paramedics from agencies around the Monterey Bay Area came to Capitola Beach Friday to show off their surfing skills for the second-annual Santa Cruz County First Responder Surf Contest.
Last year, about 15 people participated in the event, which was created in the wake of the Covid pandemic, the CZU fire and other calamities as a way to honor the first responder community.
Participants also got a catered lunch and breakfast.
This year’s event drew more than 30, said California Highway Patrol Capt. Aron Ching, Commander of the Santa Cruz branch.
“They work with each other every day, but they don’t necessarily get to come out, have a cup of coffee, have lunch and get to know each other,” Ching said. “It’s a chance for us to connect.”
