2025  Memorial Day Classic

One of the hardest things about running a surf contest is the unpredictability involved. You can do everything right beforehand—securing permits in a timely manner, promoting the event for months, bringing in big name sponsors and athletes—only to show up the day of the event to an ocean devoid of swell. Since there’s no amount of planning or preparation that will enable a contest director to summon swell on demand, they can either adapt to the tricky conditions, or pull the plug altogether. 

Thankfully, for Santa Cruz Longboard Union president Matt Freeman, the 39th annual Memorial Day Classic held at Steamer Lane last weekend coincided with a solid south swell. While the event suffered small surf the year prior with barely contestable ankle biters, this year, juicy 5-6 foot walls reeled across the hallowed point break all weekend.

“It is so good!” exclaimed Freeman in between contest duties on Sunday afternoon. 

“I’ve surfed three times already this weekend. The waves are amazing and I can’t help but feel blessed. Witnessing the level of surfing and the performances being put on out there is incredible, and it’s an honor to be a part of.”

The yearly event, which invites thirteen longboard clubs to compete from all over California, has taken place for nearly two decades, and is always a great opportunity for the tribe to get together, share some waves, laughs, and good vibrations in a fitting start to the sunny summer season. This year, throngs of spectators, family members, and friends lined the cliffs to cheer on their favorite surfers as they cross-stepped, hung ten, and cutback their way across the beautifully blue wave faces.

One fellow particularly excited to be there on Sunday was Pleasure Point’s Jason Arnold. While the stylish regular footer was no longer in the event, he was stoked to be on site to cheer on his partner Megan Eldredge, who ended up placing 4th in the Masters Women division final.

“I didn’t make it through that first heat, but surfing with only six other people in pumping surf was probably the best time I’ve ever been out at the Lane,” he said.

“Events like this, there’s just this old-school longboard vibe that’s got a really bitchin’ feeling to it. Doing these club events here and down south, I’ve been able to make these really cool connections.”

Hazel Dixon, who placed 3rd in the Menehune Girls 14 and Under division, was stoked to step out of her comfort zone to put in a solid performance.

“It was a little scary with the size of the waves and the backwash, but I still had a blast,” said the bright-eyed youngster.

“I usually surf Pleasure Point, but it’s nice to surf another break in town that I usually don’t get to because of all the short boarders. I was stoked to actually get some waves out there!”

As usual, Steamer Lane had taken on a festive atmosphere during the busy three-day weekend, with vendor tents and bleacher seating lining the cliff, as well as eight beautiful longboards on display that were raffled off at the end of the day on Sunday. This year, Benjmark, Strive, Juice Box, Arrow, Ward-Coffey, Vernor, and Leechy Surfboards comprised the generous board builders who donated their time and energy to crafting these stunning shapes. All proceeds from the raffle went to generate funds for the events beneficiaries, Veteran’s Surf Alliance and the Santa Cruz Scholastic Surf League.

With phenomenal weather, A+ swell in the water, and a standing room only crowd on hand, it’s no wonder that everyone involved in the event was giddy with the turnout. Just ask Harper King, who walked away with a victory in the hotly competed Junior Men division, riding his CJ Nelson GX1000 high-performance model.

“The vibe down there was sick,” remarked the gifted teen the day after the event. 

“When you’re competing at the Lane, it truly feels like a sports arena! With all the westside boys up on the cliff and the giant crowd up against the railing, you’ve got people watching you from all directions, which feels rad, especially when you win!”