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CAPITOLA, Calif. -- Central Coast Pride makes a stop in Capitola tonight! The small coastal city that's all about the community, but that's not all they offer! The surfing culture is making a big splash.
The new trend of paddle boarding is also making big waves in the community. Rick Elliot told us about one of his favorite sports, paddle boarding. "The basic idea is you're using the paddle for thrust from your arms," said Elliot.
Elliot travels from Santa Cruz, a place known for great waves to Capitola to do it. "It's more paddle board friendly than some of the more high performance breaks," said Elliot. He's not alone. On a weekday afternoon you can see half a dozen boarders skimming the water in Capitola. "Its sort of a best kept secret," said Elliot.
Word must be spreading fast about this best kept secret because its paying off at local shops. Paul Johnson runs the Capitola Beach Company rental shop and teaches standup lessons. He's seen the demand for paddle boards swell in Capitola. "Its probably our biggest rental," said Johnson.
The high demand all over the Monterey Bay for the new sport is apparently bringing drama. Locals say a turf war is boiling over between surfers and paddle boarders. "If you paddle out there on a busy lineup and other guys are fighting the waves, you won't get friendly looks," said Johnson.
Despite a rocky situation, Capitola is hoping the new trend stays on their shores.
