Surfing Santa. Spooner collector. Dog dad. Meet Steve Drottar — the man behind one of the most famous surfing duos at Pleasure Point.
RS: How did you first get introduced to Reyn Spooner?
SD: In the late ’80s I was given my first Spooner as a gift — and I was immediately hooked.
RS: How many Spooners are in your collection?
SD: Right now? Around 250.
RS: Do you remember your first?
SD: Pretty sure it was a 100% cotton print with big palm leaves and plumerias — bold colors, bold print. Reyn’s even did a reboot recently, and I had to grab a few of those too.
RS: What is it about Spooners that just works for you?
SD: The prints — they’re art. I especially love the Phil Edwards line and the 50th State prints. I think I might have them all.
RS: We hear your Christmas Spooner collection is legendary.
SD: At last count… 28! I’m a big Christmas guy — the joy, the lights, the Surfing Santa prints. The only thing better than Surfing Santa is surfing with your dog.
RS: When do the Christmas shirts make their debut each year?
SD: December 1st used to be the rule, but with 25+ shirts, I might need to start the day after Thanksgiving!
RS: Speaking of surfing with your dog — how did you and Rosie get started?
SD: I’ve surfed for 40 years and always dreamed of surfing with my dog. Rosie was the first who actually wanted to stay on the board. We started on a lake in Maine, then moved to small waves in Santa Cruz. She’s a total natural — and we’ve been riding waves together ever since.
RS: And yes, we’ve seen the Santa suit. Be honest — is it hard to surf in a fake beard?
SD: Surfing’s fine. Wiping out? That’s the problem. The beard gets everywhere. But Rosie keeps me pointed in the right direction.
RS: Surfing Santa — why do it?
SD: Because it’s fun! Surfing Santa and Rosie always make people smile — and that’s what it’s all about.
Follow Steve and Rosie @rippinrosiedog
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