In Memoriam–Robert “Doc” Scott

Surfing can be a difficult thing to wrap your head around. It involves using skill and bravery to wrangle a visceral output of Earths energy on unstable planks of fiberglass, oftentimes amongst neighbors and good friends, done all the while enjoying spectacular views of our majestic coastline alongside wildlife that most people never get a chance to enjoy with such intimacy. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, ego and jealousy often spoil this wholesome experience, turning it into an exercise of aggression and dominance. 

Santa Cruz is, unfortunately, known as a place where this dark side of surfing frequently rears it’s ugly head. There was one Santa Cruz local who never fell into this seductive trap, a man who’s selflessness and joyous spirit transcended all the bullshit. That man was Robert “Doc” Scott, and I consider myself lucky to have called him a friend. And I’m not the only one. In fact, the amount of lives he touched here in Santa Cruz, and all around the world, is unfathomable. His contributions to the sport of surfing, especially with the youth here in Santa Cruz, cements him as one of the greatest men to ever come out of the sport we hold so dearly.

On Monday morning, our community’s love for Doc, who sadly passed away earlier this year at the ripe old-age on 97, was on full display at the kind doctor’s memorial paddle out on West Cliff. Throngs of individuals who, at some point or another, had been touched by Doc, gathered as a community to pay their respects. It was a who’s who of Santa Cruz surfing royalty, including MC Bob Pearson, 1984 Pipe Masters champ Joey Duran, shaping legend Michel Junod, John and Peter Mel, and many, many more.

Scott, who rode his first waves at San Onofre State Beach in 1949 at the age of twenty-two years-old, was actually born in Norwich, New York, a small farming community with a population of about 8,000. In an interview I conducted with him a decade ago, he told me, “that makes me a true valley kook!” This sharp wit is what made him such a hit with the youngsters in Santa Cruz, who he loved to load up in his old converted school bus for trips to compete down in Southern California. 

“We’d all be singing and laughing all the way down,” recalled local professional surfer Marcel Soros. “He was such a selfless man. If any of the kids couldn’t pay their way, he’d always cover them.”

He was heavily involved in amateur surfing, acting as District Two Director of the Western Surfing Association from the late sixties to the mid-eighties. He organized organized monthly contests, where many times he would act as announcer, heat organizer, statistician, and judge. As an MD, he delivered countless babies here in Santa Cruz, treated illness, and even saved many surfer’s hearing with his creation of Doc’s Pro Plugs, watertight ear-plugs featuring vents that allowed sound in but protected the inner ear from cold water and wind. Ever keen on supporting the youth, Doc sponsored many young surfers with his innovative product, including former professional surfer, Homer Henard.

“He was an awesome character, he just did so much for the kids,” said Henard at the Paddle out. “I remember he sponsored me when I was like twelve, giving me free plugs. When your a little kid that’s a big deal—you’re all stoked. He gave a lot of support to all the kids in my generation and generations before that.”

Peter Mel, sees Doc’s spirit as one that not influenced the way that he and other Santa Cruz professional surfers from the 90’s ran as a pack, but the way they continue to do so in current times as members of the Santa Cruz Boardriders Club.

Ken “Skindog” Collins, whom Doc convinced to compete in his very first surf contest at the age of eleven, in double overhead surf at Steamer Lane, put it simply.

“Doc Scott. A beautiful spirit with a positive outlook. Selfless. I feel like he was the culture cultivator. He cultivated this whole culture, and we’re all doing better for it.”