Members of the Teen Adventure Group (TAG) run into the ocean on their Santa Cruz surfing trip on January 11. Photo: CRPD
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA – For the teens of the Cordova Recreation & Park District’s (CRPD) Teen Adventure Group (TAG), January 11 was a day to remember. Despite the chilly winter breeze and early morning start, the group embarked on their highly anticipated surfing trip to Santa Cruz, marking yet another exciting trip for the program.
Outdoor Adventures, funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services, aims to provide underserved communities with opportunities to explore the great outdoors. CRPD’s $347,550 grant supports local activities and trips to nature areas, such as tree plantings, creek clean-ups, camping and, in this case, surfing on Northern California’s beautiful coast.
The idea for the trip came directly from TAG members during one of their monthly meetings. “One of the members suggested learning about the ocean and going surfing,” explained Recreation Supervisor Matt Zimmerling. “We found a company (Club Ed) that could provide us with lessons, boards and wetsuits and a new adventure was started.”
Fast forward to a sunny, windy morning in Santa Cruz. The group’s adventure began with a stroll along the pier, complete with “barking” at sea lions and attempted “conversations” with the seagulls. Lunch on the pier quickly turned into a comedy of errors as gusts of wind sent slices of bread and lettuce flying while the teens made their sandwiches. After lunch, the group suited up with wetsuits and surfboards, guided by Club Ed instructors, and braved the cold Pacific waters to tackle paddling and “popping” onto the boards.
TAG members suit up and take on the waves with the guidance of their Club Ed surf instructor. Photo: CRPD
The waves were relentless, and the wind made getting past the break no easy feat. For one participant, the struggle almost proved too much. Though the idea of getting into the water was frightening for her at first, she eventually started to enjoy the thrill of catching waves back to the shore. “Watching her overcome her fear and push herself to ride as many waves as possible was incredible,” said Zimmerling. Later, her mother wrote, “Mary had a blast. She was the most tired I may have ever seen her afterwards, LOL.”
Others celebrated their victories with beaming smiles, some even managed to stand on their boards and ride waves toward the shore. After an hour and a half of paddling, tumbling and triumphing, the group wrapped up their lesson with some fun in the water before packing up for the journey home.
TAG offers much more than just outdoor fun. Through monthly meetings and events, members learn valuable life skills, including event planning, leadership development and community engagement. Open to middle and high school students aged 11 to 17 within CRPD boundaries, the program encourages teens to get involved and make a difference.
For these TAG members, the Santa Cruz trip was a chance to build confidence, overcome challenges and enjoy a unique outdoor experience. As the program expands, it continues to provide teens with valuable opportunities to connect with nature and their community. Learn more about TAG on our website — https://cordovarpd.gov/programs/outdoor-adventures/.