100 Years of Surfing

Celebrated by Surfboards on Parade in Huntington Beach

By C. MacDonald

The Centennial Year of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA was kicked off with the unveiling of a unique surfboard, the first of over 20 one-of-a-kind boards made by famous artists and shapers for charity and celebration in 2014.

The first board, created by marine life painter Wyland and shaped by Tim Stamps, was shown at Duke's Restaurant, overlooking the Pacific waves. Wyland, who painted the giant mural on the iconic Golden Bear that was torn down across the street, designed a shark looking up at the sun on the board. It was shaped by Stamps, whose boards are used by champions like Brett Simpson and Courtney Conlogue.

In March, Surfboards on Parade will continue with further unveilings at the Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort, The Hyatt Regency and The Shorebreak Hotel. A Surfboard Showcase Reception will take place May 1 at the HB Art Center. From May 1 to August 17, the Surfboards on Parade Art Exhibit will continue throughout HB. In August and September there will be exhibits at the HB Art Center, then on September 27, at the "Night of a Million Waves," there will be a surfboard auction and awards ceremony at the Waterfront Hilton.

The surfboard parade concept was created by the Rotary Club of HB, one of the event sponsors. The Rotary's Scott Smith said he'd heard of "Cows on Parade" fundraisers in Denver and other cities have "Elephants on Parade," Australia has "Koalas on Parade," and he thought "why not ‘Surfboards on Parade,' a perfect fit for HB. The artistic expression captures the spirit of surfing and we approached Wyland over 1 ½ year ago and he got on board."

HB Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Shaw announced that the city will be sponsoring a board at City Hall. Others can sponsor boards by contacting Event Managers Jodi McKay (714-337-9176) and Paulette Wilhelmy (714-330-8500).

The primary beneficiary of the event is Hoag Hospital Family Cancer Institute, who will use proceeds for education and research on skin cancer, which impacts many, including surfers and beachgoers. Others to benefit are the Rotary Club of HB, whose goal is to create a disability, accessible park in town. The HB Art Center also will use monies for exhibition and education as well as scholarships for the summer Young Artists Camp program. The HB International Surfing Museum also will use resources from the parade in their archiving of their extensive collection.

Former Surfing Champion PT Townend said he's "stoked" at the parade and the honoring of George Freeth, who first brought surfing to HB 100 years ago when he put on a demonstration of "walking on the water." Henry Huntington had used Freeth to promote the town, which has become known as Surf City.

Proclamations for the event from surfing Congressman Dana Rohrbacher, Assemblyman Travis Allen and the State of California were read at the Duke's ceremony, which attracted 200 people and media.

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