Sea Otters Hijack Surfboards in Santa Cruz Again

On March 6, 2024, at Steamer Lane, a renowned surfing location in Santa Cruz, California, a 21-year-old college student, Isabella Orduna, experienced an unusual encounter while catching waves. During her session, she felt a sudden nip on her foot, prompting her to roll into the water. When she resurfaced, she was surprised to find a “big, fuzzy, chunky bear of an otter” perched on her surfboard. This incident marked the first of two reported hijackings of surfboards by sea otters this week at the popular spot.

The following day, another surfer reported a similar encounter when an otter commandeered their board. Such behavior is not new to the area. In 2023, a female sea otter known as 841 gained attention for her antics as she climbed aboard multiple surfboards and evaded capture. It remains unclear whether this particular otter was involved in the recent incidents, but if so, it could indicate a pattern of troublesome behavior from a known repeat offender.

Experts are considering the possibility that a different otter may have developed a taste for surfing. This highlights the increasing interactions between humans and marine mammals as the number of aquatic sports enthusiasts grows alongside a resurgent population of sea otters in their natural habitat.

Community members are now urging surfers and ocean-goers to maintain a safe distance from the otters, prioritizing both their safety and that of the local wildlife. With the potential for ongoing encounters, it is essential to find a balance between enjoying water sports and coexisting with these playful marine animals.

As the situation unfolds, local authorities may need to consider measures to manage these interactions and ensure the safety of both surfers and the otters. The recent incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of respecting their space in shared environments.