Surfing’s Legends Take the Spotlight in Huntington Beach

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The U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach isn’t just about today’s top surfers—it’s also a celebration of the sport’s rich history.

At this year’s event, the 16th annual Surfers’ Walk of Fame inducted five icons outside Jack’s Surfboards, including Fred Hemmings, the “godfather of pro surfing” and now a Hawaii state senator.

“I am a surfer, and I’m grateful for this honor,”

Fred Hemmings

The celebration continued with the 12th annual Surfers’ Hall of Fame, where handprints were cast in cement to honor trailblazers like Bruce Brown—director of The Endless Summer—and Joey Buran, the first Californian to win a World Tour event. Pat O’Connell also reflected on the deep personal impact surfing had on his life and relationships.

With thousands of fans watching, the ceremonies reminded us that surfing’s past is just as thrilling as its present. These legends paved the way for the future—one wave at a time.

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