Westcliff Continues to Make Big Waves 

By: Jesse Palomera, Westcliff University Sports Information Intern

Aside from the Westcliff Warriors continuing to make waves in the NAIA and the Cal Pac, Westcliff will be giving future Warriors a chance to compete in collegiate surf and earn a degree starting this 2020-2021 season (provided there is a competitive season within the National Scholastic Surf Association). Not only are they making a splash with this initiative but they are the only school who has made surf a sport and not solely a club. "With the leadership from our athletic department, we have done something unprecedented by making surf a part of the official athletic program." says head coach Kyle Rouse. 

With Rouse leading the charge for the surf team in 2020, he could not be any more excited for the future. "I am just very excited to be a part of this amazing opportunity to start something special and potentially change the course of college surfing for the better."

There is always going to be challenges awaiting when starting from the ground up, but no bigger challenge the world is facing than COVID-19. Luckily for Rouse and his surfers they have been able to catch some waves throughout these unprecedented times. "The surf scene is very fortunate during these times because unlike all other sports...As long as there are waves, our surfers are out there trying to perfect their craft and are able to stay in proper shape to be a high level surfer." says Rouse. 

Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and starting a brand new program no one has done before, Rouse and Westcliff still have high expectations. "My goal for this initiative and program is to really make change by giving these opportunities to surfers." 

Westcliff will look forward to competing in 2021and continue to make big waves amongst their Cal Pac and NAIA peers. "I am very hopeful that we will not only change the dynamic of college surfing but I'd like our vision to put pressure on other schools to make some change so we can even further help the growth of college surfing." says Rouse. 

Jesse Palomera was an intern for the Westcliff Athletic Department in 2020.