Peter Steinfath Completes SUP Expedition of the California Coast

SAN DIEGO, California - Well folks, he did it. Peter Steinfath completed his intense journey of paddling the California coastline by standup paddle board (SUP). As a recap to our previous write-up, in a remarkable feat of endurance and adventure, Peter Steinfath embarked on a monumental journey along the Californian coastline, propelled solely by his paddle and determination. His remarkable odyssey, chronicled by our friends at 101 Surf Sports, takes us through breathtaking vistas, human connections, and surprising transitions as Peter navigates not only waves but also the path of self-discovery.

The latest chapter of Peter's journey brought him from San Simeon to Jalama State Park in Lompoc, where he relished the world-renowned hamburgers at Jalama Beach store. The call from Peter to 101 Surf Sports conveyed his enjoyment of this simple pleasure, offering a respite from the expanse of ocean and paddle.

On June 20, 2023, a milestone was reached – Peter had been paddling the California coastline for one month and eight days, a testament to his unwavering dedication and skill. In a moment of connection amidst the humdrum of daily life, Tom Nadzam at 101 Surf Sports received a WhatsApp call from Peter. His voice brimming with excitement, Peter greeted the conversation with the words "Hermosa Beach, Kammerat," setting a tone of camaraderie. Over the course of the ensuing ten minutes, Peter and Tom engaged in an animated discussion, catching up on the intricate details of his incredible journey.

Peter's narrative unfolded as he journeyed from Santa Monica to Venice Beach, and onward to Hermosa Beach. In between these coastal towns, he embraced the modern amenities, stopping at a phone repair shop to address the toll the ocean had taken on his device. The technician's shock at the sheer volume of sand that emerged from the phone highlighted the corrosion caused by nearly 50 days at sea.

During his time at Venice Beach, Peter's rapport with the lively and distinctive locals was evident. His interactions with them, deemed eccentric by some, spoke to his own affinity for adventure and exploration. As the sun dipped below the horizon, and the boardwalk came alive with bustling tourists and locals, Peter found his stride. Stationed next to his board, he would playfully call out, inviting passersby to purchase his "well-traveled race board." What began as smiles inevitably transitioned into intrigued questions, an opportunity for Peter to share his awe-inspiring and, at times, unbelievable tales.

A chance encounter with a fellow paddleboarder at Venice Beach redirected the course of Peter's journey. This new acquaintance informed him of an upcoming race in Santa Monica, sparking a reversal of direction. The next day, he retraced his path to Santa Monica, adding a short paddle back and an additional 5 miles to his already extensive expedition.

During the race, a familiar face greeted Peter at the finish line - family friend Gregg "Koz" Kostan. Their reunion was marked by a hearty dinner and, notably, a shared appreciation for beer, as they downed three pitchers, setting the stage for a cascade of stories. A subsequent call from Koz to Tom revealed an amusing omission from Peter's account - a top 10 finish in the race.

Before venturing further south, Peter's voyage veered towards the Catalina Island chain. Departing from Jalama, he steered his course toward San Miguel Island. As miles transformed into countless paddle strokes, the day transformed into night, and a dense fog enveloped Peter. His disorientation was palpable as he persisted through the obscurity, until an unexpected occurrence brought a smile to his face. Abruptly, his paddling came to a halt as he inadvertently reached the edge of the island. This accidental navigation earned him a high-five for luck and an A+ in the navigation department.

Each island brought with it a unique challenge - finding a suitable beach that wasn't occupied by territorial seals. After some searching, Peter discovered a welcoming stretch of sand, a perfect spot for cowboy camping under the stars, serenaded by the sounds of the resident seals.

Amidst his oceanic expedition, Peter encountered the vibrant marine life of California's waters. A particularly memorable sight was an immense bait ball of fish near Point Doom. The crystal-clear water allowed him to witness the intricate ballet of fish darting in all directions, a sight etched into his memory.

Peter Steinfath visits 101 Surf Sports and tells his story of his journey. | Photo: Pat Altieri

As the conversation with Tom at 101 Surf Sports concluded, Peter offered a poetic insight into the support he had received. He likened the encouragement to "rings in the water," acknowledging the far-reaching impact of each gesture. Averse to the trappings of social media fame, Peter's humility and genuine character shone through. He remained a young man untouched by hubris, exuding a childlike curiosity for adventure that resonated with all who crossed his path.

Before bidding farewell, Peter shared his thoughts on his journey thus far with Tom, summing up his experience in three simple words: "Fun in the Sun."

Amid the lay days spent in Hermosa Beach, a transformation occurred, a paradigm shift or perhaps an epiphany. The interplay of the sun's warmth and the ocean's breeze ignited a yearning for human interaction, a departure from the isolation of the open sea. This is where Peter decided to finish his journey by replacing his SUP with a skateboard instead to fuel that need for human interaction. It was a response to the loneliness of endless miles and countless paddle strokes, a craving for connections beyond the sea's horizon.

Peter's prowess on water was beyond question; he had proven his mettle across vast distances and challenging conditions. The decision to transition to a skateboard was not one of concession, but of embracing a new facet of adventure. Each trial and each moment of levity etched themselves into his memory, a collection of stories to be shared for years to come.

On July 26, 2023 Peter completed his journey and touched the border wall marking an extraordinary feat for Steinfath. But now that this chapter has concluded the inevitable question arises: what's next for Peter Steinfath? His exploits have left an indelible mark, and the lure of the unknown undoubtedly beckons him once again. As the pages of his journey turn, we await the next chapter, eager to witness the evolution of his wanderlust and the unwavering spirit of adventure.