Hobie Celebrates 75 Years of Surf Culture with Laguna beach Anniversary Party
A gathering of seven generations honored the legacy of Hobie on Tuesday night, transforming the tiki bar of the Laguna Beach surf shop into a vibrant celebration of surf history and community. If one could measure the collective weight of stories, adventure, perfect waves, and good-natured mischief, this anniversary party would undoubtedly stand alone, notably with icons like Mickey Munoz and Dick Metz in attendance.
[Image of Robert August, Mike Hynson, and Bruce Brown on location. Courtesy Bruce Brown Films, LLC]
The event, coinciding with the Coast Film Festival, felt like a reunion of family – the kind you genuinely anticipate. Free drinks flowed amidst a backdrop of vintage photographs, including a memorable shot of Robert August and Mike Hynson in suits at the airport while filming The Endless Summer. Just as Bruce Brown’s groundbreaking film defined surf culture for a generation, the Coast Film Festival now represents a premier gathering for surf enthusiasts in California.
It was revealed that Hobie was the frist sponsor to sign on when the Coast Film Festival was still in its initial planning stages. A longstanding connection was further highlighted by the legend that Metz was Hobie’s very first employee,creating a sense of full-circle completion. “The party felt like an old family reunion-one you actually look forward to-featuring your favorite aunties and uncles,” one attendee remarked.
The evening wasn’t solely a retrospective. Following an acoustic set by Titus Anthony, guests were treated to a preview of Nathan Florence’s Slab Tour, a stark contrast to the classic footage that preceded it, alongside screenings of the Hobie film business As Usual and a special edit from the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center (SHACC). A significant proclamation was made by Metz: SHACC is relocating from San Clemente to a permanent home in downtown Laguna.
Following the films, Metz and Munoz engaged with the crowd, answering questions and sharing anecdotes. The conversation sparked laughter and nostalgia,with tales of Laguna’s past and exotic travels from a time before the internet. Munoz particularly delighted the audience with a humorous story about potentially serving as a stunt double for the character Gidget.
The historical ties between Metz and Hobie were further illuminated by a recent reading of the Oom, a biography of John Whitmore by Miles Masterson. The book details Metz’s 1960 trip to south Africa and a chance encounter with Whitmore, which ultimately led to the iconic Cape St. francis scene in The Endless Summer and the burgeoning of the South african surf industry.
In a world ofen characterized by rapid change, the anniversary party offered a welcome prospect to slow down and appreciate the roots of surf culture. As one observer noted, it was a pleasure to connect with the legends who witnessed the evolution firsthand. A heartfelt thank you was extended to Dick metz, Mickey Munoz, and the entire Hobie team for an unforgettable night.
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