When people think of Southern California surf culture, a picture of Huntington Beach is usually what comes to mind. Also known as “Surf City, USA,” it looks like a picture-perfect surfing scenario and is known for its rich surfing history as well as its great waves.
One of the many attractions found at this Southern California beach is the Surfing Walk of Fame. Started in 1994, this walk leads from Main Street all the way to the Pacific Highway and ending at California’s longest municipal pier. A block of granite is placed into the sidewalk in front of Jack’s Surfboards (the sponsor of the Walk of Fame) to honor those who have made significant contributions to the sport of surfing and its surrounding culture. To date, many of surfing’s greats have been honored here.
Another attraction in Huntington Beach is the Surfing Hall of Fame. What started out as a modest dream for a local business has become an amazing treasure trove of surfing history. Huntington Surf and Sport store owner Aaron Pai’s childhood dream of making something like Hollywood’s Grauman’s Chinese Theater inspired him to collect hand and footprints from any surfer he could find.
The Surfer’s Hall of Fame is the first collection of imprints belonging to several legendary surfers from the West Coast. Each year a committee consisting of surfers, surf professionals, and local business owners induct surfers they feel best contribute and dedicate themselves to surfing, as well as those who exemplify the value of integrity and those who have been revolutionary to the sport.
For anyone interested in surf history, the International Surf Museum is sure to delight. The museum has exhibits that pay homage to Duke Kahanamoku (the father of modern surfing), surf music (including Dick Dale’s vintage 1954 California electric guitar), surf movies (including a section dedicated solely to the first Endless Summer movie which contains Bruce Brown’s original camera), a collection of classic surfboards and other classic surf memorabilia.
Huntington Beach also hosts several major surf competitions, including the U.S. Open of Surfing, which is the largest surfing competition in the world.
Of course, no Southern California surf capital would be complete without having exceptional surfing to attract surfers from all over the world. Due to its geographic location, surfers of all skill levels can find waves to ride. This variety makes it a fantastic place to learn to surf, and provides an exciting and challenging environment for experienced surfers.
With its rich history and numerous attractions, Huntington Beach is certainly deserving of its “Surf City, USA” title.
Convicted Artist Writer: Lynda Belcher
Convicted Artist Photographer: Gabor Mereg
