Scholarships & Community Giving


​Since its founding in 1983, Big Stick Surfing Association has given to the community in many ways, from beach cleanups to donations. 


Since 2002, our community giving program has been fueled by the annual Logjam! vintage longboard contest, which is also our main fundraiser.  Logjam! fundraising goes to the Big Stick Surfing Association Scholarship Fund, and to local non-profits specializing in ocean-oriented conservation, youth surfing, and surfing-as-therapy. Since 2002, Logjam! has raised about $175,000 for college scholarships and worthy local non-profits.

                                                 SCHOLARSHIPS

Big Stick offers scholarships of up to $1,800 to graduating seniors from high schools in Santa Cruz County. 2025 Scholarship Applications are open through Monday, April 7, 2025.
​

Our scholarship committee reviews applications and awards points for scholastic ability, involvement with surfing (or other ocean sports), ocean conservation, and demonstrations of good citizenship, and sportsmanship. We love to help plant seeds of civic-mindedness, personal achievement and love of the ocean in our community's young people!

2024 Scholarship Recipients
Samuel Allen                     Aptos High
Nicolas Hambright          Aptos High
Ainsley Handcock           Aptos High
Nathan Perry                    Soquel High
​

LOCAL NON-PROFIT DONATIONS



​In 2024 Logjam! fundraising allowed our Executive Board to review and approve a donations program that supports organizations we feel are doing important work. This group of organizations is effective in promoting ocean conservation and education, creating opportunities for young surfers, and providing therapeutic and life-enhancing surf experiences. Congratulations to the following 2024 recipients. 
​​

​Many of these organizations have been highly effective for many years and have received repeat donations.
  • Over $27,000 to organizations protecting our coast, including Santa Cruz Surfrider Foundation, Save Our Shores, and Save the Waves. 
  • ​Over $25,000 to Ride‐A‐Wave, who helps children with disabilities and from underserved communities to have an amazing day at the beach. 
  • Nearly $6,500 to Santa Cruz Scholastic Surf League, which organizes wonderful contests for local kids all year long. 
  • $3,400 to Junior  Guards  groups  for scholarships for  kids with financial need. 
  • $2,500  to  the  Santa  Cruz  Surfing  Museum.