Step into an interview with our dear friend Harper King as he recounts his roots in Santa Cruz, recent contest wins, and life both in and out of the water. Whether he's trading sections at Pleasure Point, tracking down a fresh catch, or dialling in his go-to quiver, Harper brings a genuine presence and infectious stoke to everything he does. Join us in catching up with a true standout human, and someone Uroko is proud to back.
The Santa Cruz Roots & Style
You’re known around Pleasure Point for having one of the most effortless styles in the water. How did growing up riding Santa Cruz breaks shape your overall approach to wave selection and style?
Growing up in Santa Cruz taught me a lot just because we have such a wide range of waves—big, small, beach breaks. Everything to make you a better surfer overall. You have to know how to ride different boards for different waves, which shapes the way I surf. I feel a lot of pride following the amazing surfers that have come from Santa Cruz.
What was your favorite part about representing local surf clubs, and do you have any standout memories or funny stories from those road trips?
I have a lot of fun memories from the coalition contests. I like how the clubs come together, and it feels like a family. A special standout moment was in 2025 at the Malibu Classic—I was on the alternate list for the Nose Master Pro and at the last minute got in. I won the whole thing, and it was awesome.
The Uroko Connection & Quiver
How did your relationship with Uroko first start? What clicked for you with the brand and the crew?
Alex Czech from Uroko heard my dad talking about my early success with surfing on a podcast and reached out to us. From the very beginning, the team believed in my surfing and also in me. We have become good friends, and he has helped so much over the years with gear and contest costs. We are definitely all watermen and share a love for the ocean.
What are your top favorite boards in your quiver right now? What's permanently stashed in your car?
Top boards in my quiver right now are my 9'6" Sprout 2.0, my Bobby Lendesma 5'11" swallowtail, my Mav's gun, which is a 9'6" CI, and my stand-up boogie. I know that's more than three, but it's hard to choose. The swallowtail is the one I'm stashing in the truck right now.
Travel & Surfing Background
Where have you been sneaking away to lately? Any recent trips that really fired you up?
This summer I went to Nicaragua with my family. The waves were pumping the whole time. We had really fun beach breaks and got barreled so many times.
Do you remember the very first board you learned on around town, or the moment you knew surfing was going to take over your life?
My 9'0" plank from Odyssey was the board that made me realize surfing was going to be important in my life. I think I was about 6, like 1st grade.
Life Outside the Water
Outside of surfing, what keeps life interesting for you? What are you usually up to when the ocean goes flat?
When there are no waves, I still love to go to the beach. I also work at Freeline Surf Shop—it's a great place to work, and I love being at the shop. I also like skating around and hanging with friends. There are so many roots in Santa Cruz that people don't know about. There was a lot of surfing progression that started in Santa Cruz. I think we have one of the best coastlines in California, with waves every day and beautiful nature too.
Harper's Uroko Favorites
Which pieces of Uroko gear are in your daily rotation right now?
My favorite gear from Uroko comes from the Water Collection because I love the different drawings of the endless waves. The Calming Seas Hoodie is definitely in my weekly rotation for sure. I live in the Unstructured Grandpa Hat with the Storm artwork—it's super comfy and dries quickly. For tees, the Giant Pacific Octopus in heather forest green is an all-time favorite, and whenever people see it they comment on how cool the artwork is. I also rock the California Fish Love Tee for inspiration when my dad and I head out fishing.
Parting Words
Any final words or shoutouts for the local community?
The surf community here pumps me up to be my best in and out of the water, and it feels like my family. I love going to the point and seeing so many familiar faces. I always do my best to bring positivity and fun to the water, and I'm grateful to be a part of this special community.
Be sure to give Harper a follow on Instagram: @harptunnel
Harper's Product Picks
