FAQ
What is “To Honor the Women of the Water”?
A privately funded bronze female surfer statue to be installed on the Capitola Esplanade in Santa Cruz County. A companion piece to the beloved male surfer statue “To Honor Surfing” on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, she will be the third known female surf statue in the world — and the first not dedicated to any one individual. She is an archetype, representing every woman who has ever belonged in the water.
Why Capitola?
Capitola is an extraordinary home for this project. It is the oldest beach resort on the West Coast, one of the most visited coastal destinations in Santa Cruz County, and as of August 2025, the newest member of the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve. The Women on Waves surf contest is held annually right here on the Esplanade. The Junior Guards program brings hundreds of children to this beach every summer. And the City of Capitola actively invited this project. She will be seen, celebrated, and loved here from day one.
Where exactly will she be located on the Esplanade?
Working with city staff, we have identified the entrance of Esplanade Park as the proposed location. The design features a rounded bump-out extension at the park entrance, similar to the existing extension at the corner of Stockton Avenue and Esplanade. She will face the Christmas palm tree and gaze over her left shoulder toward the ocean. A site map is available in our project brief.
Who created the male surfer statue on West Cliff Drive?
The male statue was created by sculptors Brian W. Curtis and Thomas Marsh. Both artists are creating this statue as well, ensuring visual and artistic continuity between the two monuments. Brian Curtis is a third-generation Santa Cruz native. Bob Pearson, who shaped the board for the original, is shaping this board too.
Who does she represent?
Like the male statue, she is not modeled after any one person. She is an archetype — representing every woman who has ever surfed, paddled, swum, sailed, or simply loved this ocean. The other two female surf statues in the world honor specific champions. She honors all of them.
How is this project funded?
The project is 100% privately funded. There is no cost to the City of Capitola or to the public. All donations are tax-deductible and flow through County Park Friends, a local 501(c)(3). The sculpture itself — including artist fees, mold making, and bronze casting — has an anticipated cost of $350,000. Site work, engineering, installation, and surrounding components are additional. Fundraising includes funds for ongoing maintenance and at least three conservation treatments.
How can I donate or sponsor?
We welcome donations of any size, and offer a range of named sponsorship opportunities. Bronze donor recognition inlays on the surrounding benches offer a permanent, ocean-view commemoration. Please contact us at tohonorsc@gmail.com to learn more.
When will the statue be installed?
We are targeting installation in Fall 2027, subject to the City of Capitola’s approval process and fundraising milestones.
What is the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve?
The Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve is a designation granted by the Save the Waves Coalition, recognizing exceptional surf locations for their wave quality, cultural significance, and community stewardship. The Reserve spans approximately seven miles of Santa Cruz County coastline, running west to east from Natural Bridges State Park to Capitola. Capitola joined the Reserve in August 2025. The male surfer statue stands near the Reserve’s western end; she will stand at its eastern gateway.
How can I get involved?
We welcome donors, volunteers, and community advocates. Please reach out at tohonorsc@gmail.com or follow us on social media for updates. If you are a business, organization, or community member interested in partnership opportunities, we would love to hear from you.