I just got the announcement and my invitation to the official grand opening of the new Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in downtown Laguna Beach the weekend of Sept 18-20.
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They had a small preview for a few guests back in June, which I was stoked to be a part of. It was amazing; I can’t wait to see it finished and up and running.
This is a huge deal for both the sport of surfing and the city of Laguna Beach.
Most of the time, when I get a press release or prepared information about something that I want to pass along to you, my procedure would be to rewrite it into my own words, grammar cast to the wind. But this time, I feel the best way is just to show you what they said in the invite; I could not write this any better.
“THE MOMENT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED. This September, Laguna Beach welcomes a remarkable new cultural institution. After more than two decades of planning, the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center is opening the doors to its permanent home in the heart of the city. Just steps from Main Beach, SHACC will become home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of surfing history and culture, creating a new cultural landmark for Laguna Beach and a gathering place for generations to come.”
The weekend will culminate with a grand opening fundraising gala on Sept. 20.
“This unforgettable weekend celebrates surfing’s extraordinary journey, from its ancient Polynesian roots to the global cultural force it is today, while helping ensure that story is preserved, shared, and celebrated for generations to come,” the invitation also said.
So yeah, this is gonna be bitchin’.
This place is gonna be chock-full of super cool stuff. From a huge collection of classic and historical surfboards to just about everything else known to man that is important from a cultural standpoint. Anybody who has any interest in surfing is gonna want to come check this place out.
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The event is something I know that I don’t want to miss. My entire life has been surfing and being a surfer. I grew up in the 1950s and ’60s on the beaches of Orange County and started riding waves as a small boy. This led to a career as a professional surfer that has extended even to today in one form or another. I have been a part of this thing.
On Sept. 18, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and then the new SHACC will officially open to the public. On Sept. 19, there will be an open house with grand opening festivities. On Sept. 20 will be the huge evening grand opening fundraising gala, which will feature a performance by Donavon Frankenreiter, guest speakers, a bevy of surf legends on hand, surf films and live and silent auctions. Tickets for the gala are currently available, but will sell out quickly, so get yours before they do. You can purchase them at tickettailor.com/events/surfingheritageandculturecenter.
I wanna give a big positive nod to some of the very cool people who I know for a fact have been working their guts out and pouring their souls into making this happen.
First and foremost, Dick Metz, the legendary surfing pioneer, godfather of the “Endless Summer” and native Laguna Beach local who traveled the world exploring and spreading surfing and good vibes. Jeff Alter, son of Hobie Alter, a lifetime surfer and another native Laguna Beach local. Mark Christy, owner of the Hobie Surf Shops and The Ranch at Laguna Beach Hotel and another extremely stoked lifetime surfer and local. Mark “Cubby” Samuels, a dude who worked for me as a graphic designer in the Ad Department at SURFER magazine and went on to have his own creative design company for many years. Mark is another lifetime stoked surfer and has put in a zillion hours physically helping to put the place together. Greg MacGillivray, the iconic surf filmmaker who became the King of IMAX and yet another lifetime surfer and Laguna Beach local. There are a bunch more who I would like to mention, but am out of space.
I hope to see you there. The address for the new SHACC is 239 Broadway, Laguna Beach.
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