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HUNTINGTON BEACH SURFING HALL OF FAME
The Surfers’ Hall of Fame celebrated its first inductees in May 2002 at the corner of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway in downtown Huntington Beach, right at the foot of the Duke Kahanamoku statue. But the celebration was a long awaited one for Huntington Surf and Sport store owner Aaron Pai.
His childhood dream of creating something like the Hollywood’s Grauman’s Chinese Theatre drove him to pursue a collection of hand and foot imprints from surfers of all walks of life. When the store added a longboard area and bakery, it was the perfect time to display his collection.
With some creativity and keen connections in the surf industry, Pai and his associates were able to travel to athletes to collect their imprints. Corky Carroll, a former world champion surfer, decided to assist Pai. So when the surf stars hit Southern California, they were off with a truck, wet cement and a chair. Their effort paid off. Pai was able to proudly display over 20 imprints in the store.
That was pre-2002. With a few meetings at the city council, some council member suggestions and three years, Pai got his ultimate wish granted – he was able to establish the Surfers’ Hall of Fame as a public display at the corner of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, heart of Surf City.
What once started out as a modest celebration of surf history and its top athletes turned into an open invitation for surf enthusiasts everywhere to enjoy the imprints of the world’s most renowned surf heroes.
The Surfers’ Hall of Fame is the first imprint collection of legendary surfers on the West Coast. Each year the committee, which consists of business owners, surfers and surf industry professionals, chose the inductees based on a contribution, dedication, integrity and revolution to the sport of surfing.
“Integrity, humility and great achievements are what make our inductees notable,” said Michael Morgan, committee member and event master of ceremonies. “Not all of them are world champions. They respect the sport and bring it to a whole new level by their contributions to the sport and surf industry.”
Although most surfers’ imprints were placed inside Pai’s store during 1997 and 2001, the athletes are honored to return to take their place in the legendary location, which boasts a beautiful bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the grandfather of surfing.
 

 July 2004 Inductees
 (click on name to view bio)

 

July 2003 Inductees

  • Andy Irons
  • Shaun Tompson
  • Tom Curren
  • Jack O'Neill

 

May 2003 Inductees

  • Bud Llamas
  • Paul Strauch
  • Mike Doyle

 

May 2002 Inductees

  • Kelly Slater
  • Lisa Andersen
  • Laird Hamilton
  • Joel Tudor

 

August 2002 Inductees

  • Corky Carroll
  • Robert August
  • Robert "Wingnut" Weaver

 

  
 

The 2004 Surfers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony celebrates the surf history of the late Jack Haley, World Champion surfers Jericho Poppler, Mark Occhilupo, Peter Townend and the legendary Pipe Master Gerry Lopez.
The inductees will immortalize their handprints and footprints at the Surfers’ Hall of Fame. The late Jack Haley’s imprints will be relocated next to the bronze Duke Kahanamoku statue that represents the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.

Where: The Surfers’ Hall of Fame is located on the corner of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway in downtown Huntington Beach.

When: The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 30, 2004.

Why: Each year the Surfers’ Hall of Fame committee chooses surfers whose contribution, dedication, integrity and revolution affected the sport of surfing.
The induction ceremony takes place during the two-week surfing event, U.S. Open of Surfing.

Who: The ceremony is open to the public. Standing room only. Parking is available at the beach parking lots and the parking structures located on Walnut and Third Streets

How: Admission is free. It is suggested to arrive early to the ceremony due to the expected crowds.
The best route to the Surfers’ Hall of Fame is Beach Boulevard (Highway 39) south to Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). Go north on Pacific Coast Highway to Main Street. Parking structures are located on Walnut and Third Streets as well as the beach parking lots. Prices vary.
For more information on the Surfers’ Hall of Fame, please call (714) 969-1128 or log onto www.hsssurf.com.