Huntington Beach’s Surfing Walk of Fame inducts new members
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — August was a big month for the surf world in Huntington Beach. Not only did the city host the Vans US Open of Surfing, but the Surfing Walk of Fame also inducted its newest members:
Surfing Champion: Brett Simpson, HB native, 2009/10 winner of the US Open of Surfing, and inaugural coach of the US Olympic Surf Team.
Honor Roll: Al Hunt, legendary former administrator and head judge for the former pro surfing body, ASP
Surf Pioneer: Longboarder, shaper, noserider, Surfrider Foundation founder Lance Carson
Surf Culture: Laguna Beach-based band, Honk, known for providing the soundtrack to the surf documentary, Five Summer Stories.
Woman of the Year: Champion international surfer Jodie Cooper
Local Hero: Bruce “Snake” Gabrielson
Who is Bruce Gabrielson? Many locals might remember him as Huntington Beach High School’s first surf team coach. However, he’s also known as the owner of Wave Trek Surfboards, which was founded in HB back in 1969. Additionally, he was featured in the surf film, Pacific Vibrations.
Last month was also an important occasion for the Surfers’ Hall of Fame, which celebrated its 25th anniversary by rededicating the iconic cement surfing memorial located at 300 Pacific Coast Highway. A popular sightseeing stop by visitors to the downtown area, it founded by the Pai family in recognition of world’s best surfers and supporters of the industry. This year’s honorees included big wave rider Peter Mel, legendary surf explorer/boat captain Martin Daily, and surf supporter Michele Turner (owner of The Sugar Shack Café and mother of Timmy and Ryan Turner). Congratulations to everyone!
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