Surf solidarity
- Curtis Reale
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Updated: May 24
By Curtis Reale
After almost losing a limb from a life-threatening surf-related injury, surfer and UCSB alum Sorrel Tolkmitt found his way back in the water only a few months after surgery. “I have had countless memorable sessions, but one specific one comes to mind,” said Tolkmitt. “After I injured my knee, my first surf back was at Sands. My friend shot photos of my first wave… the perfect moment after overcoming such a scary injury like that.”
Isla Vista isn’t just a college beach town, it’s a place where students and the greater community have claimed the ocean as a place for daily rituals like surfing. Fundamentally connected by positive board-riding and a rhythmic spirit, surfers say this coastal oasis is unlike any surf community along the California coast.
“IV surf culture is very special to me because half the time I paddle out I either see a friend or make a new one,” said Sorrell Tolkmitt, UCSB alumni and life-long surfer. Not only does it bridge the gap between all skill levels, it has become a haven for surfers to ride freely and without shame.
The community here isn’t just about chasing waves, but creating bonds rooted in salt and stoke. “Surfing has been part of my life since I was a kid, and Isla Vista’s welcoming surf culture furthered my ambition to continue my education at UCSB,” said Tolkmitt, lost in joyful nostalgia.
The Isla Vista community believes by riding together, it will constantly evolve and grow stronger. This surf culture brings droves of students to the Isla Vista community, empowering a shared mentality of ocean appreciation.
Devereux and Campus Point form the heart and soul of Isla Vista’s surf scene. Devereux is a mellow point break, beloved among longboarders and mid-length riders, where smooth lines invite peaceful flow. It’s a space where beginners grow and locals glide with a deep culture of mentorship—seasoned surfers offering tips between sets.
Marlowe Kushner surfed in the Isla Vista community for the entirety of his UCSB experience, starting and growing immensely over his four-year tenure. “Campus Point is the most beginner-friendly spot. Gentle, slow, and super welcoming. Honestly, the best community and a peaceful surfing experience,” said UCSB surf team member Marlowe Kushner.
Most surf journeys in the Isla Vista community begin at Devereux and continue at Campus Point, just a mile down the coast. Campus Point is known as UCSB’s most accessible wave and a true surf incubator. “It’s the break that offers the most variety between tourists, students, and locals,” said Kushner.
Known for its gentle inside sections and consistent waves, Campus Point is where surf clubs and first waves turn into lifelong memories. “The crowd is usually pretty mellow until the swell picks up and it turns into an absolute zoo,” said Kushner.
Although the Isla Vista surf community is based on a peaceful atmosphere, Sands Beach offers a break with a bit more punch behind its lip. This spot is the raw edge of Isla Vista surf, being a beach break with scattered peaks is perfect for short boarders chasing fast sections and critical drops. It’s a more advanced wave, making it important for decisive turns in critical sections. Known for hosting more experienced surfers, this break carries an unspoken code of respect. Morning greetings are exchanged with nods, while the lineup comes together with a shared sense of stoke binding the crew in the water.
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