Ken Collins Charged with Misdemeanor Battery After Surf Scuffle

Ken Collins charged with misdemeanor battery after getting into an altercation with a Los Gatos surfer. Photo: MugshotsSantaCruz.com

Big-wave surfer Ken “Skindog” Collins was allegedly charged on suspicion of misdemeanor battery at the Hook in Santa Cruz last month after getting into a scuffle in the water with a 42-year-old Los Gatos surfer. According to Santa Cruz Sentinel, the incident occurred on the evening of January 8th when Skindog dropped in on the Los Gatos surfer. When the other man argued, Collins “grabbed the man by his shoulder and pushed him in the water,” said local authorities. After the incident in the water, Collins and the other man started arguing again near East Cliff Drive, where Collins allegedly “grabbed the man’s shirt or sweatshirt and stretched it out.” Shortly after, local authorities arrived, saw the stretched clothing, and ticketed Collins.

Skindog at the 2012 Billabong Pico Alto contest. Photo: WSL

While this incident may be meaningful in addressing the variety of issues associated with localism and violence, the specific details in this situation are too unclear to cast judgements beyond speculation.