They’ve inspired in and out of the water, making their mark in the surf world and beyond.
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Three events in coming weeks will honor surfers who have made waves locally and around the globe through their competitive feats, innovations, creations and humanitarian work.
The first event will be held in Laguna Beach at The Ranch for the Surf Industry Members Association’s annual Waterman’s Ball on July 17.
This year’s honorees include San Clemente surfboard maker and founder of Lost Surfboards Matt Biolos, who shapes for some of the best in the world, and Laguna Beach filmmaker Greg MacGillivray for Lifetime Achievement Award. Save The Waves Coalition will be awarded Environmentalist of the Year.
The event draws 200 leaders, executives and surf enthusiasts “to celebrate industry icons while raising funds to protect oceans, beaches, and waves.”
Since it was founded in 1989, the Waterman’s Ball has raised more than $10 million in support of organizations dedicated to combating ocean pollution, preserving surf breaks and safeguarding marine ecosystems through its SIMA Environmental Fund grant program, according to its organizers.
The next honors will be recognized at the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame during the US Open of Surfing.
This year’s surfing champion award goes to Jordy Smith, a South African surfer who is a veteran on the elite World Tour.
South Bay’s Mike Purpus will be honored as a “surfing pioneer;” the Hermosa Beach surfer is known for being a fierce competitor through the ’60s and ’70s.
Esteemed Huntington Beach artist Phil Roberts, whose artwork through the decades has been gifted to the Pipeline Masters winners and whose fine art has appeared in galleries around the world, will earn the “surfing culture” award.
Woman of the Year recognition goes to Hawaiian surfer Patti Paniccia, who, in addition to competing, went on to have a career in law and teaching.
Local hero Joey Hawkins grew up surfing Huntington Beach’s famed waves and is known for his innovative years as a longboard competitor is receiving an Honor Roll Award along with musician Dean Torrence, who is one half of the popular 1960s surf music singing duo Jan & Dean.
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The Surfing Walk of Fame ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on July 30 at 101 Main St.
And finally, there will be the Surfers’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony, now in its 29th year.
Two local surfers will be recognized: Jay Larson and Courtney Conlogue, who are familiar faces at the famed surf break just across from where they will put their hands, feet and signatures into concrete stones.
Both surfers “represent the heart, talent, and enduring culture of Huntington Beach surfing,” organizers said.
Larson embodies the spirit of Huntington Beach surfing, serving as team captain for Huntington Beach High School in 1993.
“His powerful style earned him national recognition, including the cover of Surfing Magazine and appearances in influential surf films alongside filmmaker Taylor Steele, contributing to the iconic Momentum Generation,” according to the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.
He turned pro in 1993 and competed against the world’s top surfers through 2002.
Conlogue was turning heads at a young age, competing by age 9 and earning a spot on the USA Junior Surf Team at age 11. In 2009, she won individual and team gold at the ISA World Surfing Games.
Conlogue was raised in Santa Ana, but made Huntington Beach waters her home, solidifying her knowledge of the wave with two U.S. Open of Surfing wins.
She joined the ranks of the elite World Tour in 2008, competing against the world’s best female surfers through 2023, winning many big contests over the years.
The Surfers’ Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on July 31 in front of Huntington Surf & Sport at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, across from the Huntington Beach Pier.
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