Huntington Beach, CA, June 10, 2014 - Recognized worldwide as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach celebrates a century of surfing in the city with a year full of surf-related events and activities benefiting the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. From the Rotary Club's Surfboards on Parade to the Vans US Open of Surfing, annual and distinct signature events make up a centennial celebration unlike any other.
It all started in 1914 when Henry Huntington, a railroad magnate and real estate tycoon, invited Hawaiian waterman George Freeth to the opening celebration of the city's first concrete municipal pier. It was there that Freeth was asked to demonstrate his "surf riding" skills, and became the first surfer at the now famed Huntington Beach Pier.
The 100 Years of Surfing calendar continues on Saturday, June 21st with "When Men Were Men and Boards Were Wood", a surfing demonstration featuring vintage or new wooden surfboards. Following the tradition of the original Huntington Beach surfers, no wetsuits will be allowed for the 50 experienced participants. Awards will be presented for "Best Old Wood Surf Board Ride," (Boards older than 1964) and "Best New Wood Surf Board Ride". There will also be a re-enactment of George Freeth's first ride by a celebrity surfer on a replica of his original handmade wood board. The event runs from 10am to 2pm and will take place at Huntington City Beach on the south side of the Pier.
Opening on Saturday, June 21st at 11am is the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum's newest exhibit, titled "Century of Stoke," curated by surfing's first World Champion, Peter Townend and museum Exhibit Director, Dave Reynolds. The exhibition encompasses major milestones of Huntington Beach surf history from the past century that have helped shape modern surf culture.
Along with the centennial of surfing, Huntington Beach is also celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the first concrete municipal pier with a Pier Commemoration Ceremony in Pier Plaza at 10am on Sunday, June 22nd. The event program includes a display of historic images, greeters in period costumes, and a ribbon cutting by Huntington Beach Mayor, Matthew Harper, and City Council members.
The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum (HBISM) is the sole beneficiary of the 100 Years of Surfing signature events. Founded in 1987, the museum hosts permanent and rotating exhibits that showcase the history and legacy of surfing worldwide. The museum is open Tuesday- Sunday and entrance to the museum is $2 per person. For more information about the HBISM, visit www.SurfingMuseum.org.
For photos, a historical timeline and event info, visit www.100YearsOfSurfingHB.com.
About Visit Huntington Beach
Visit Huntington Beach is the official destination marketing organization of Huntington Beach, Surf City USA®. One of Southern California's premier coastal destinations, Huntington Beach offers 10 miles of uninterrupted beach and is the ideal location for a family vacation, relaxing weekend getaway, or group conference. To plan your Surf City USA® vacation, or to learn more about Huntington Beach, see the Visit Huntington Beach website at www.SurfCityUSA.com or call 800-729-6232.
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Surf City USA® is a registered mark of Visit Huntington Beach.