Sea Otters Hijack Surfboards at Santa Cruz’s Steamer Lane

On March 27, 2024, surfers at Steamer Lane, a renowned surf spot in Santa Cruz, California, faced an unusual challenge when sea otters began commandeering surfboards. The incidents occurred on consecutive days, with the first involving college student Isabella Orduna, who reported a surprising encounter while riding the waves. After feeling a nip on her foot, she discovered a sea otter perched on her board.

“I was like, wow, what do I do now?” Ms. Orduna recounted, highlighting the unexpected nature of the interaction. The following day, another surfer experienced a similar board hijacking, raising concerns about the growing interactions between humans and marine wildlife in the area.

Recurring Incidents and Community Response

This week’s events have drawn attention due to their similarity to previous incidents involving a female sea otter known as 841. Last year, 841 gained notoriety for climbing onto multiple surfboards and evading capture, capturing the fascination of both locals and surfers. While it remains unclear if 841 is responsible for the recent encounters, experts suggest that another otter may be adopting similar behaviors, potentially indicating a trend among the local marine mammal population.

The increase in such incidents points to a broader issue: the need for effective management strategies that address the rising number of marine mammals sharing habitats with human recreational activities. As the population of marine mammals rebounds, including the sea otter, interactions with surfers and swimmers are likely to become more frequent.

Community members are urging caution. Local authorities and wildlife experts recommend that surfers maintain a safe distance from otters, both for their safety and the well-being of the animals. The Marine Mammal Protection Act underscores the importance of respecting wildlife and minimizing human interference in their natural behaviors.

As discussions continue on how to balance human activities with wildlife conservation, the incidents at Steamer Lane serve as a reminder of the dynamic relationship between people and nature in coastal environments. The excitement of surfing, coupled with unexpected wildlife encounters, makes for a unique experience, but it also highlights the need for awareness and respect for marine life.