Surfing Conflict Leads to Bloody Brawl

A 60-year-old man just finished from a morning surf session and a 40-year-old guy from Live Oak sitting on a sea wall drinking coffee, reading the paper, does not sound like a scene set for a brawl. But that is just what happened at the Capitola Esplanade this morning.

Capitola police and emergency services responded to a fight around 9:30 a.m. that left both participants bloody and a little battered.

According to Capitola police Sgt. Mark Gonzalez, after finishing up a morning surf session a 60-year-old male from Aptos encountered another surfer, a 40-year-old male from the Live Oak area and told him he was not welcome in the waters off Capitola Beach. Police believe the two men know each other and have had previous surfing relalted run-ins. A verbal fight turned into a fist and coffee mug fight.

According to Central Fire District official Mike DeMars, however the two middle-age brawlers looked, the actual injuries suffered were minor, one head wound and one facial wound. Both men were treated at the scene and did not have to be taken to the hospital for any further medical treamtment.

Capitola police cited both men for battery and released them on citation.

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