
Waves were clean and crisp all day Monday for the start of the Cold Water Classic at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. Many riders went left, which tells you how good conditions and the surfers are.
For day 2, expect waves to be slightly smaller as the current northwest swell slowly abates. Chest high waves are likely for today's competition.
Tyler Smith and Bud Freitas won the locals trials, and earned a chance to compete in the main event. However, neither one made it through the heats during the rest of the day.
You can follow the action in a few ways:
1. Go there and watch, always the best option.
2. Live cam view of Steamer Lane, courtesy of the Santa Cruz Wharf.
3. Surfline's HD camera of Steamer Lane, membership required.
4. Results posted on O'Neil's Cold Water Classic site.