Surfers Hall of Fame Huntington Beach
Surfers Hall of Fame Huntington Beach
In support of the Huntington Beach Surfers Hall of Fame, Jennifer McGrath today attended the induction ceremony for Stephanie Gilmore, Ian “Kanga” Cairns, and Randy Lewis. The Surfers Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place in front of Huntington Surf and Sport, less than 100 feet from the famed Huntington Beach Pier, coinciding with the Hurley US Open of Surfing.
The Surfers Hall of Fame is styled after the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Inductees place their hands and feet into wet cement on the walkway outside of Huntington Surf and Sport. The Surfers Hall of Fame pays tribute to “those individuals who have made an indelible mark on the sport, industry and culture of surfing.” The Hall of Fame walkway ”connects the generations of surfers with a lasting tribute and permanent public showcase for the achievements of those who have shaped and revolutionized the sport” of surfing.
Surfers Hall of Fame
The Surfers Hall of Fame induction was hosted by Huntington Surf and Sport owner Aaron Pai, with Dave Stanfield and Rick “Rockin Fig” Fignetti providing commentary. In addition to Huntington Beach City Attorney Jennfer McGrath, dignitaries in attendance to support the Surfers Hall of Fame included Huntington Beach Mayor Cathy Green, Councilman Joe Carchio, Councilwoman Jill Hardy, City Manager Fred Wilson, Fire Chief Patrick McIntosh, and others. Take a look at this slide show of 2010 induction Surfers Hall of Fame photographs, courtesy of Jennifer McGrath.
Australian professional surfer Stephanie Gilmore, 22, is a triple world champion on the Women’s ASP World Tour. She won the World Championship Title in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Stephanie Gilmore continues to have success in 2010 having won three surfing competitions to date: the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, the Bells Beach Surf Classic, and the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic.
Ian Cairns, 58, is a champion surfer and a substantial influence in the world of surfing. Major surfing championships include the 1973 Smirnoff Pro surfing competition at Sunset Beach, the 1975 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship, and World Cup events in 1976 and 1980. In 1975, Ian Cairns and Australian surfer Peter Townend devised a rating and scoring system for surfing events. In 1979, they formed the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA). In 1983, Ian Cairns became the first director of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP).
Randy Lewis, 60, is a Huntington Beach local who made a name for himself as a surfing champion and surfboard shaper. In 1976 and 1977, Randy Lewis won the West Coast Surfing Championships. In 1978 and 1979, he won the San Onofre Surf Club Championships. As recently as 2006, he won the City of Huntington Beach Surfing Championship. Randy Lewis began shaping surfboards in the mid 1960s under the tutelage of Gordie Duane. He had his own surf shop in the decade from 1977 to 1987, the Randy Lewis Surf Center. He presently shapes surfboards for Chuck Dent.
The cement is dry so check out the newest additions to the Surfers Hall of Fame walkway as you enjoy the US Open of Surfing this weekend in Huntington Beach.
