One of the unique and fun things to see in Downtown Huntington Beach is the Surfers Hall of Fame. What is it?
Surfers Hall of Fame was fashioned after the Hollywood Hall of Fame, according to the "Surfers" founder, Aaron Pai, owner of Huntington Surf & Sport.
Pai did a remake on his story, one of the anchors to Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach and he decided it was time to showcase what he considers is the epicenter of surfing.
"We have an obligation to showcase our sport in the most professional way we can portray it, not only for the city and for the surf industry, but for our sport of surfing. It's always been more than a business to us and I think we've lost that a bit."
Pai is known for his surfing skills, his surf family, business that he built, and sponsorship of surf teams. When Pai isn't around Surf City, you will often find him traveling the globe surfing.
His Surfers' Hall of Fame takes place one or two times per year and includes a public event in which world renowned surfers are honored. They place their hand and feet prints in soft clay that hardens. They also sign their names with a big stick-pen. Their tiles are set in a plaza in front of the store facing the Pacific Ocean. They are located in front of a spectacular, life size statue of Duke Kahanamoku.
This is one of the must-see surfing attractions in Huntington Beach. It open year-round, 24-7. Enjoy!
The Surfers' Hall of Fame celebrated its first induction in 1997 inside Huntington Surf & Sport where several slabs remain. Four years later with the blessing of the HB City Council a bronze statue of Duke K. less than 100 feet from the famed Huntington Beach Pier was installed. Surfers' Hall of Fame induction ceremony is open to the public, free.