put up or shut up wrote on Jul 23, 2007 12:10 AM:It's easy to be a critic. A group of citizens raised about $100,000 and commissioned this art. If some critics want a different pose, get out the checkbook or shut the heck up!

art critic wrote on Jul 23, 2007 12:42 AM:That is not an everyday kid. If that was ANY kid he certainly wouldn't want to have a statue of himself displayed. About 24 hours ago this statue all of a sudden was a statue of a novice. No it wasn't and no this was not suppose to be controversial. The statue of the guy in the guy in garden isn't controversial. The new tony gywen statue is not controversial. All the art in the solana beach rail trail is not controversial. This was a cowaboondoogle.

So what wrote on Jul 23, 2007 6:17 AM:If you don't like it than get your own money together and pay for your own.

Lance wrote on Jul 23, 2007 6:24 AM:The surfing community is often accused of not exhibiting a lot of maturity. Much of the immediate criticism of the new statue underscored this belief. I forsee several decades of surfers making their own comments about Encinitas by "dressing" the statue in a variety of guises. After all, this art belongs to the people. Unfortunately, the people is a beast.

bcwyaf wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:28 AM:If the city said, "surfers provide us a new statue and we would replace what we have," you would see a new statue within 18 months.

Cardiff Property Owner wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:35 AM:It's truly unfortunate that so much was spent on this sculpture. It's not that the artist isn't talented, he just sculpted the wrong image. The look on the surfer's face is ridiculous. What is up with those hands? First year ballet class? Even for spectators, surfing is so exciting and exhilarating. The statue should've represented this feeling instead of whatever that expression is... It's more than disappointing because now we have to look at this thing every day. ugh.

Disappointed wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:36 AM:It's truly unfortunate that so much was spent on this sculpture. It's not that the artist isn't talented, he just sculpted the wrong image. The look on the surfer's face is ridiculous. What is up with those hands? First year ballet class? Even for spectators, surfing is so exciting and exhilarating. The statue should've represented this feeling instead of whatever that expression is... It's more than disappointing because now we have to look at this thing every day. ugh.

Nonsurfing-local wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:37 AM:It's truly unfortunate that so much was spent on this sculpture. It's not that the artist isn't talented, he just sculpted the wrong image. The look on the surfer's face is ridiculous. Even for spectators, surfing is so exciting and exhilarating. The statue should've represented this feeling instead of whatever that expression is... It's more than disappointing because now we have to look at this thing every day. ugh.

Vern wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:39 AM:I disagree with the comment stating, " its not a position any good surfer would want to be in", obviously this "surfer" has never seen a floater move. Everyone we met thought it was phenomenal. For the small amount of money,the city of Cardiff received a beautiful piece of art that will last generations. The haters will always be what 'they' are !

Veronica wrote on Jul 23, 2007 9:06 AM:The guys who are criticizing the statue need to get over themselves. Talk about effeminate--their vain preoccupation with themselves and their image is quite "girlie".

ridiculous wrote on Jul 23, 2007 10:11 AM:You surfer critics are a pain.-"That's just not a move that any good surfer would want to be in," Give me a break and go surfing, since you love it so much. Next time make a statue of a guy driving a golf ball. that would be much more accurate.

So Cal Native wrote on Jul 23, 2007 10:28 AM:So, if you have the money you can put any kind of art on public property. I dont think so. The public has every right to have their input on the sculpture even if they didn't pay a dime because, it is on public property! Then you have NCT with this article and no picture.

surfer wrote on Jul 23, 2007 10:32 AM:Why did the Cardiff Botanical Society commission a surfing sculpture? Can we surfers choose a statue of a gardener next?

Common Sense wrote on Jul 23, 2007 11:46 AM:I am a Cardiff resident, but not a surfer. And even I can see that this does not represent a surfing community. Regardless of where the money came from, a bit more research up front would have produced a more accurate portrayal.

W Kookmeyer wrote on Jul 23, 2007 11:53 AM:yep, that's a $100k floater alright...

? wrote on Jul 23, 2007 12:41 PM:I live about one and a half blocks from this statue. I surf. I don't care about the staue. Looks like something different than what I would order. But no one asked me, and I realy don't care.

Old guy wrote on Jul 23, 2007 12:45 PM:Forget all that pose nonsense, WHY IS HE ON A SHORT BOARD???

YES! wrote on Jul 23, 2007 12:48 PM:I don't care about this sculpture but I am loving the Wilbur Kookmeyer reference. Where did that come from originally? I remember thats what we called everyone our older brothers didn't like or boogie boarders or skaters back maybe 20 years ago. Was that a charachter in some Surfer or Surfing cartoon?

Anon2 wrote on Jul 23, 2007 1:08 PM:re: "put up or..." so are you saying that people w/o $$ shouldn't be allowed to express their opinion on public art partially funded by the city/taxpayer dollars?

matt wrote on Jul 23, 2007 1:20 PM:Is that the Karate Kid?

Bob wrote on Jul 23, 2007 1:22 PM:Half the kooks I see out at Cardiff look like this statue :-) That being said it is too bad the artist was not able to depict a more accurate pose of an accomplished surfer.

What? wrote on Jul 23, 2007 1:47 PM:EVERYBODY's an art critic. So I'll toss in my two bits. The pose does look to be a bit off. Specifically the board is at the wrong angle, it should be flat with the backside edge cutting into the wave. All I can say about his front hand is "walks like an egiption" the bangles song. LOL at Old guy, no doubt we will hear from the body surfers and boggie boarders too. Over all it isn't that bad. In fact it is pretty good if you compare it to the infamous bars sculpture that used to be in Carlsbad.

Arrgh.. wrote on Jul 23, 2007 1:53 PM:Why is it that non-surfers always get this great idea to somehow memorialize surfers or surfing? If the local surf community was polled as to whether a surf statue should be erected or not, most would say NOT! Most would probably opt for benches on the cliff to better observe the surf, or something like that. Thanks to our gardening friends, we now have a sculpture that will be the object of all sorts of juvenile late summer night coming of age rituals. Some of them will be really clever, but most will be stupid. It doesn't help to put this thing right at the entrance to the campground, either. It's a floater, you say? It looks more like some beginner dude in the whitewater who's leaning too far back on the tail an trying to maintain control! Maybe that's supposed to capture the essence of the first ride, or the innocence of learning how to surf, which even the most jaded local can remember with a faraway look in his eye. When I first saw it, I just shook my head and thought "christ.....what's next!?!"

WK wrote on Jul 23, 2007 2:10 PM:YES!: Google it.

J.Pennypincher wrote on Jul 23, 2007 3:27 PM:With public art you will always have controversy. My question is how much did the City kick in for the improvements on City property? Instead of projects like this I think the money could be better spent on a storm drain system that would ensure cleaner water and stop some of the cliff erosion. I think that would go further in promoting the surf image of our city amongst other things......

camille wrote on Jul 23, 2007 3:29 PM:The surf statue represents surfers of all ages and I have heard nothing but positive comments since it was inveiled.... Thank you to a committee that takes a lead and gets something done!!!!

Ohh Noo... wrote on Jul 23, 2007 4:14 PM:As a long time local and surfer, whenever I look at this thing it makes me grin and shake my head. What is this town coming to? Why do people feel the need to celebrate the pastime of surfing with statues, monuments or whatever? What, we think we're surf city? You put 50 or so local surfers in a room and ask them what they would put up and it probably would be benches on the cliffs to check the surf out. It wouldn't be this. As for what this statue represents, it must be the joy and innocence of the first wave....completely off balance, arms waiving frantically, and having the time of your life. Compare this with the memorial for GT at Swamis..GT's is much classier, much more subdued, much more repectful. This thing is going to be the object of every juvenile prank and dare this summer. Oh, this is going to be interesting.

Oooops! wrote on Jul 23, 2007 4:16 PM:Oh No and Argg are the same people....no need to read it twice...just got impatient...sorry....

Chick Surfer wrote on Jul 23, 2007 4:23 PM:Does any surfer like this...any at all? I'd laugh my ... off if some guy surfed like this. This is not what surfing looks like. Chick surfer

John E wrote on Jul 23, 2007 4:54 PM:The complainers should be thankful this isn't something like Andrea Blum's "Split Pavilion," which obstructed ocean views in Carlsbad and was publicly funded (for both construction and destruction).

kooooook wrote on Jul 23, 2007 6:00 PM:the statue is a kook, but at least he isnt on a longboard. that said i cant wait til someone blowtorches it to death. 99% of surfers are kooks, so i guess its an accurate representation

hy wrote on Jul 23, 2007 6:06 PM:huuuge waste of $$ to further yuppify the once small beachtown

Critique wrote on Jul 23, 2007 6:18 PM:How come so many "surfers" are so critical? You guys can't seem to accept anything that's not your version of how it ought to be... I thought you were all about chill, but really, you're all about image.

34 to 1 wrote on Jul 23, 2007 7:28 PM:Odd. Last Monday this site featured an article on the Cardiff Specific Plan meeting, where meaningful decisions about this community are being made. The Article attracted ONE comment. The Statue has 34 including this one. FYI, I encourage the passion on both sides, but question the object of that passion.

AT least it's wrote on Jul 23, 2007 7:55 PM:not some drop knee goon!!

Zack wrote on Jul 23, 2007 9:29 PM:This statue is distracting us from important things. Remove it fast.

Hey 34 to 1 wrote on Jul 23, 2007 10:38 PM:Aren't many of the same people that were on this surf statue committee on the new Cardiff Specific Plan Committee? Committees are nice and all until they actually try to do something. Can't wait to see what's next.

surf geezer wrote on Jul 24, 2007 8:02 AM:What a hoot. This will add a smile to my face everyday when I pass by it. The cost of the stature will be nothing compared to the video surveillance system that will be installed after the first really funny dressing up it will receive. Sorry fellow surfers, this is too much fun to get worked up over.

Strand wrote on Jul 24, 2007 9:06 AM:According to that statue, Cardiff must be home to the special olympics of surfing.

To 34 to 1 wrote on Jul 24, 2007 9:22 AM:The article on the specific plan was an announcement for a meeting. Hardly worthy of "inflamed passions" wouldn't you say? The statue, on the other hand, was a real surprise! As for surfers being so critical or impassioned, that's not entirely correct. You miss the point. Generally, surfers don't seek, nor do they want the limelight. They just want to be left alone to surf. So when an organization that has nothing to do with surfing (other than perhaps the members..after all, doesn't everyone surf?) puts up a statue of a surfer, ANY statue of a surfer, it elicits hoots, howls, and laughter from the surf community. Can you imagine the reaction of "gardeners" if a bunch of surfers erect a statue in the middle of a public park depicting a gardener hunched over trying to pull out an especially pesky weed, with their fanny pointing straight up in the air? Like I said before, this will be interesting!

WOW wrote on Jul 24, 2007 10:59 AM:"Vern" says it looks like a "floater move"? Vern, you're and idiot. And yes, Wilbur Kookmeyer is a perfect comparison. Most akward thing I've seen in a long time.

SHUKE wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:39 PM:Driving Southbound the first time I saw it, I wondered aloud to my Wife, "Oh My God, what's coming out it's A**?" Very bad viewing angle.

encinitas surfer wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:48 PM:..the statue just does not look right, as any surfer knows the pose is unnatual and looks akward. If you want to see some kook learning to surf just watch all the damn surf camps clogging up the beachs.

Switcheroo wrote on Jul 24, 2007 1:10 PM:Can we switch the "Surfer" with the guy watering the plants?

k-dawg wrote on Jul 24, 2007 1:48 PM:he should go on "dancing with the stars"

kalani wrote on Jul 24, 2007 8:51 PM:i think its funny that all these local surfers have a problem with this great statue of art that my good buddy put together, like i already read up top, you all should put your money together and make one, i bet you dont!!! all this trash talk on it, none of you guys were even involved or had any say so in it.....it was the cities idea of that particular one so thats what matt built, they added and took alot of things out, anyways you guys couldnt even afford to buy one of his great peices anyway so mind your buisness and go surf like everyone else is doing...great work matt keep it up

To Kalani wrote on Jul 24, 2007 9:15 PM:You just don't get it, do you. "These local surfers" have no "problem" with the statue. However, they have absolutely no desire to put ANY money into ANY statue. It's your money, you do want you want with it. OBVIOUSLY "we" had nothing to do with it becuase if "we" did, "we" would have advised you accordingly! So now you go and put something up in a public space, and all of a sudden YOU can't handle the criticism?!? I bet Matt doesn't care. He's probably chuckling himself about this. Anyway, it's had its desired effect. People are talking about it, and the groms probably can't wait to do something to it. Like I said, it's going to be interesting. And yes, kalani, I will go surfing! Bye!

WhiteBeachTrashChris wrote on Jul 24, 2007 11:11 PM:It's perfect because it reflects everything going wrong with Cardiff, it's association with Encinitas, and the political nature of things. Cardiff has built the F' out of FUN and is undoing itself. It's all about keeping up with the Jones'z, the soul of Cardiff is gone like the kids that can no longer afford to live here... ChrisOnCambridge...

Pepper wrote on Jul 25, 2007 8:54 AM:I Live with an Artist and i know that its a blessing from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to recieve a commission to make art. I am torn by the fact that so many people critized this beautiful surf sculpture. They obviously dont know what a Floater is. Have they not watched surf Contest and seen surfers win by doing floaters? i guess not. Maybe they all should go in the water and work on it and take pictures of themselves before they say anything. The art is beautiful and all the surf sculptures Matt Antichevich has made are beautiful. I am proud of you dad and i thank you for all the work you have done in order to my sister and i in College.

from earth nowhere wrote on Jul 25, 2007 10:14 AM:I like it. The statue. It represents sell-out surf world. To bad they did'nt make the board with a big made in China lable on it.

To all you upset surf bums wrote on Jul 25, 2007 2:16 PM:It�s called art not everybody has to like it. If you don't like it then don't look at it. All you complaining ... probably hit your head on a rock one to many times.

hemi wrote on Jul 25, 2007 4:08 PM: BEWARE OF ENCINITAS COPS currently they have 6 cops keeping people from walking to the beach across the railroad tracks. its not only the coaster patrol now, also park rangers and city cops enforcing. its between a $50 and a $5,000 fine. u may live a block from the beach but u now have to walk or drive MILE OR MORE OUT OF YOUR WAY TO GET THERE legally. the city will gladly pay $120,000 for a bronze barney surf statue, but they wont build a bridge over the train tracks. also ive witnessed cops giving tickets to leashless dog walkers at 8am. they actually walk the whole beach specifically looking for this. $250 fine ive heard.

Mikeho wrote on Jul 25, 2007 11:14 PM:Hey Surfin Bro Matt, I hope you are getting a chuckle out of this critics field day. Maybe we can get all your art critics to chip in for the wave that was supposed to be under the floating surfer, lift it up another 5' and make the pending drop and 180 more comprehensible. Any feed back on the radical surfing scupltures at Trios Gallery in Solana Beach? Has the philanthropist funded our $2Mil Art School/surf Camp/and Orchid Farm Yet? We will surf-on-and-more...God's Speed!

Mickey Mouse wrote on Jul 26, 2007 3:27 PM:I like all of the criticism about goods made in CHINA. Yes,....it sucks ...and yes.....look in the mirror....it is you that is to blame....every one of us. Look down at your little Vans skate shoes and read the tag on the inside.."MADE IN CHINA"....or check your stupid Hurley shirt tag..."MADE IN CHINA"....next your underwear........Practically everything is made there...and it's everyone's fault.

CS Slater wrote on Jul 26, 2007 5:32 PM:Hey Pepper! Everyone was saying it was a beginner surfer at the unveiling. What beginner does a floater? Is it a ripper or a beginner?

Surfwriter wrote on Jul 26, 2007 7:33 PM:This statue reminds me of the days when surf contest trophies had a long distance runner in full stride atop a surfboard. The boy looks as if he's doing a parody of tai chi at a comedy club. Then again, I've also seen some of the artist's other work and, although his bronze work appears to be technically good, the surfers look wrong - especially their hands and arms. Too bad the flower people didn't consult someone who knew more about surfing.

griswald72 wrote on Jul 26, 2007 8:17 PM:All that time and money wasted. How can you put a piece like that in a town with so much history in the sport. The focus should of been towards the culture of the sport, and the people that have made it what it is today. Cardiff is a town with so much character, and apparently the people that approved this dont know thier own city. thanks for the disapointment, grab your costco board and go surfing cardiff.

Cardiff camper and surfer wrote on Jul 27, 2007 5:01 PM:I think the sculpture is beautiful. I love Cardiff and now there is a great statue to look at. Don't attack the artist. In this situation where there are many different contributers it is difficult for the artist to do solely what he wants. There were many decision makers in this and I'm sure the idea of what they were going to do changed several times. The sculptures that this artist does are excellent and I plan on purchasing one to place in my home. Don't be a bunch of haters. Our society needs more art to look at.

Proud niece wrote on Jul 27, 2007 5:39 PM:I am very proud of my uncle who is the artist of this sculpture. He loves to surf and has taught his daughters, nephews, and nieces how to surf. His daughter (my cousin)taught my daughter how to surf. We have camped at San Elijo every summer together since I was a little girl. I am now going to be 30 in August. Don't make us have a bad memory of this place we have loved for so many years by being so mean and nasty. My uncle the artist, is a small town guy who has worked hard to provide the best for his daughters and put them through college. I am sure if he could afford to live near Cardiff he would. This is a a huge accomplishment in his career as an artist and art teacher. As far as I am concearned you are all acting like OC snobs. I am disapointed because I always enjoyed North San Diego atmosphere and people because I thought they were more down to earth. I guess I was wrong. I love you uncle Mathew.

What a shame wrote on Aug 1, 2007 8:18 AM:Cardiff gave birth to one of the most graceful surfers of all time...Rob Machado. Wouldn't the gardners have served their purpose better by memorializing his style? I'm sure the artist could have just as easily captured Rob's essence. Truly a shame.

Kimberley ... wrote on Aug 1, 2007 11:18 AM:You monday-morning-quarterbackers are so amusing. My dad busted his ... to get this done - what have you done for your town?? I'd love to see you find an once of creativity and have the courage to display it for all to see/enjoy/criticize.

To Kimberly wrote on Aug 1, 2007 3:30 PM:Lighten up! I'm reading alot of comments defending the artist. Well guess what, he doesn't need defending! He did what he was expected to do by his benefactors. No one is saying he is not skilled or gifted or accomplished, he is all that. What went awry is that the benefactors sorely misjudged the public's reaction. Yes, surfers are an onery bunch, but they are part of the public too. Believe me, any sculpture would have drawn criticism, and your dad knows this well, and he can live with that. Some of the benefactors can't. So lighten up and give your dad a break. As for what I have done for Cardiff? The list is too long, and I will always be active because I love Cardiff. No better place to live.

Kimberley wrote on Aug 2, 2007 3:40 PM:I appreciate your comments. Let me clarify that my dad is not the artist, but the one interviewed in the above article. I'm told that all this negativity has really been hard on the artist (who we must remember is a surfer as well).

al wrote on Aug 7, 2007 6:43 PM:out of all the stances one does in surfing i have never seen such a posture as this its beyond ridiculous i have been a surf instructor for the past 15 years and currently have been teaching at surfarisurf in mission beach it should portray an image of something somewhat close to anything a surfer does while hes surfing this is like looking at some kid on some good lsd and as for the comment the christian fool wrote about a floater oh my god havs any one attempted a floater with there feet that close...floating to the sky on that good dose maybe it should be petitioned to be removed....

sa wrote on Aug 9, 2007 8:15 AM:Based on public commentary, here's what we now know: 1.Surfers don't like the statue... 2.Non-surfers think surfers are being narrow-minded for criticizing the statue. 3.Supporters of the statue feel that the public has no right to protest it, and the fact that money was raised to create it somehow justifies it's existence. 4.The artist, Matt Antichevich, while proficient as a brass sculptor, has little grasp on the art of surfing. If the intent was to capture the essence of the beginner, it was not achieved. The only thing captured was the essence of the physically handicapped. 5.Matt Antichevich has a devoted and extensive following (amongst his family and friends). Note: Mr. Antichevich is not to blame for this travesty. It is not his fault that he has no grasp of surfing style, and he is as much a victim as the rest of us. For blame, we need to look to the commitee that approved this work ofart after an apparent Margarita Marathon Meeting.