California plans female surfer statue to honor women in surfing
By Jacquelyn Quinones
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CAPITOLA, California (KSBW) — The organization behind a proposed female surfer statue, “Honor,” is moving forward with plans to bring the project to Capitola after months of discussions with the city of Santa Cruz.
The statue is designed to honor women’s contributions to surfing and would serve as a counterpart to the iconic male surfer statue on West Cliff Drive, which has been in place for over 30 years.
“This is only going to be the third female surf statue in the world. There are only 40 male surf statues, so for us to find such a prominent spot in Santa Cruz County to honor her is phenomenal,” said project founder, Kari Lockhead.
The statue, named “Honor,” is not modeled after a specific person but represents all women who find connection to the water.
“She’s a strong, athletic, confident woman,” Lockhead added.
Kaila Pearson, a member of the committee behind the project, said the initiative is personal for her.
“As a female, I was able to see myself in three other females, and that gave me the confidence and the capacity to assert myself in the lineup and go into male-dominated areas in life,” Pearson said.
Pearson also shared that her father, Bob Pearson, who shaped the board for the male surfer statue in Santa Cruz, will shape the board for the female statue if the project is approved.
Capitola Vice Mayor Gerry Jensen expressed his support for the project and its proposed location.
“It was just an opportunity that I thought Capitola should just jump on the opportunity, embrace the statue, and it really symbolizes what the surfer reserve is about,” Jensen said.
“I think this will be a nice resting place for her. I think she’ll be seen all throughout the day. We get tourists year-round, and I think [it will provide] really great visibility for our young gals that do the Junior Guard program,” Jensen added.
A local female surfer also shared her enthusiasm for the project.
“I love the idea. I love it. I feel like it will be inspirational to all the young girls,” she said.
The city of Capitola stated that the next steps involve the organization submitting an application to the Arts and Cultural Commission. The commission will make a recommendation, and the proposal will then go to the city council for a vote.
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