SurfAid Cup Santa Cruz 2026 Surfing for Something Bigger

Ola Chica shares highlights from the 2026 SurfAid Cup in Santa Cruz.An unforgettable day of surfing, community, and raising $50,000 for SurfAid.

Surfing for Something Bigger 🌊

Last weekend, I had the honor of being invited to surf as a pro in the SurfAid Cup Santa Cruz 2026, and it was one of the most fun, unique experiences I’ve had in the water in a long time.

I surfed with an incredible group of men and women, The Kelp Cruisers, and from the very first wave, it felt different. It wasn’t about competition in the usual sense; it was about connection, energy, and cheering each other on every step of the way.

It was just one other team and us at Pleasure Point. Empty lineups, endless waves, and a whole lot of stoke. We were hooting for each other, pushing each other, and soaking up every moment.

And somehow… we won.

But honestly, that was just icing on the cake.

More Than a Contest

The SurfAid Cup Santa Cruz raised over $50,000 to support the health, well-being, and resilience of remote communities in the heartlands of surfing—Indonesia.

That’s what made the day really special. It wasn’t just about surfing—it was about using what we love to give back in a meaningful way.

Community, Connection & Stoke

What I’ll remember most isn’t the win—it’s the feeling.

Making new friends.Laughing between waves.Sharing the lineup in a way that felt supportive, not competitive.

I walked away feeling inspired, stoked, and genuinely proud of the team I was honored to surf with.

Experiences like this are a reminder of why we do it in the first place.