The O’Neill Coldwater Classic, held at Steamer Lane on West Cliff Drive, transformed Santa Cruz into (even more of) a veritable surfers’ paradise. Taking place Nov. 1–6, the Coldwater Classic was selected to be an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour final event — normally only a qualifying event — for the first time since 1990. The competition brought international attention and huge crowds to the event, which was won by Australian surfer Taj Burrow. The winner of the ASP World Tour will be decided in Hawaii, starting on Dec. 9.
