Mike Hynson, a legendary figure in the surfing world and co-star of the iconic film "The Endless Summer," has passed away at the age of 82. His contributions to surf culture and board design have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of surfers around the globe.
Key Takeaways
- Mike Hynson was a co-star in the groundbreaking surf film "The Endless Summer."
- He was known for his innovative surfboard designs and contributions to surf culture.
- Hynson’s life was marked by both triumphs and struggles, including battles with substance abuse.
- A memorial paddle-out is planned for June at Windansea Beach, coinciding with what would have been his 83rd birthday.
Early Life And Rise To Fame
Born on June 28, 1942, in Crescent City, California, Mike Hynson grew up between Hawaii and Southern California. He honed his surfing skills in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, quickly becoming a prominent figure in the local surf scene. Hynson made waves in 1961 when he became one of the first surfers to tackle the challenging Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore.
In 1964, he was invited by filmmaker Bruce Brown to join Robert August on a global surf trip, which would later be immortalized in the film "The Endless Summer." This documentary chronicled their quest for the perfect wave and became a cultural phenomenon, significantly shaping surf culture.
Iconic Moments In Surfing History
One of Hynson’s most memorable moments occurred at Cape St. Francis in South Africa, where he discovered what he described as "the perfect wave." His graceful ride during this scene is considered one of the highlights of the film and remains etched in surfing history.
Hynson’s passion for surfing was matched by his innovative spirit. He was instrumental in surfboard design, creating the famous tri-stringer "Red Fin" model, which revolutionized board performance and became a favorite among surfers.
A Life Of Contrasts
Despite his success, Hynson’s life was not without challenges. He became involved with the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, a group known for its countercultural lifestyle and experimentation with drugs. This period of his life was tumultuous, leading to struggles with substance abuse that affected both his personal and professional life.
Throughout the late 1960s and into the 1970s, Hynson continued to shape surfboards and appeared in numerous surf films, solidifying his status as a surfing icon. He was recognized as one of the 25 surfers who changed the sport in 1985.
Legacy And Tributes
Hynson is survived by his long-time partner, Carol Hannigan, his son, Michael Hynson Jr., and several grandchildren. The surf community has come together to honor his legacy, with tributes pouring in from friends, family, and fellow surfers.
A paddle-out memorial is scheduled for June at Windansea Beach in La Jolla, where Hynson was a founding member of the Windansea Surf Club. This event will coincide with what would have been his 83rd birthday, allowing the surfing community to celebrate his life and contributions to the sport.
As his friend Ken Lewis poignantly stated, "There will only be one Mike Hynson. For better or worse, this gruff-style master changed surfing forever. Rest easy, HY."
Sources
- Mike Hynson, the co-star of ‘The Endless Summer,’ passes away, SurferToday.com.
- The Mysterious, Enigmatic Surf Life Of Mike Hynson, SURFER Magazine.
- Famed Surf Legend Mike Hynson Dead at 82, Sports Illustrated.