The Eureka Reporter - Article: "Tuck and roll: Surfing's not for wimps
by Betsy Husband, 2/24/2006

�What most of the world doesn�t know is that we have world-class surf on the North Coast.�
Tyler Brown


Tyler Brown thrives on boards. When the Humboldt State University journalism senior is not surfing, you�ll find him snowboarding or skateboarding � or, at the very least, with skateboard in hand.

Local interest in surfing has blossomed. Thirty years ago, seeing a surfer in the water was a vision limited to Southern California and Hawaii. Occasionally, a few brave souls would ride the local break. Now, on just about any trip to the beach, you�ll see not just one or two, but many surfers � some with their dogs patiently waiting at the shoreline.

When asked to compare surfing on Northern and Southern California beaches, Brown said, �If you can deal with the cold water, the surfing up here is much better. It might not be quite as consistent, but I guarantee you�ll never have a break all to yourself when it�s head high and glassy in Southern California.�

Brown said that when people think of Northern California surf they think of Santa Cruz. He pointed out that Humboldt County surfing has had a lack of exposure.

Jess Barreilles, who was born and raised in Humboldt County and has owned the Greenhouse Board Shop in Arcata since 2003, agrees that surfing has gained popularity.

�I think there are two reasons,� he said. �The equipment is much better these days, so you don�t get as cold. Also, since more people have been getting out and exploring, they�re finding a lot of areas with good quality surf.�

Barreilles is a member of Humboldt Surfriders, a nonprofit environmental organization that is part of a global network. A"