'The Endless Summer' surf film was inducted into the Smithsonian Museum of American History

We are so proud to share..

On Saturday August 22, 2015, Surfing and its deep rooted history and Heritage made its way east. A handful of chosen artifacts of surfing significance were inducted into the Smithsonian Museum of American History. 

The event brought together both surf celebrators and art history enthusiasts alike, the donation ceremony delivered a curated timeline of surfboards, an original 16mm copy of the film “The Endless Summer,” the classic poster, as well as a selection of theater handbills ticket stubs and other significant artifacts in an official Smithsonian ceremony. Among the artifacts sent to D.C. is an unusual looking Hobie foam board shaped in Dana Point more than 50 years ago. It was made for the film, “The Endless Summer.” The board was hinged in the middle and made to break apart in order to fit in the 1960s-era airplane.

Five historically significant surfboards, including one shaped by Duke Kahanamoku on Corona del Mar Beach in 1928, have been donated along with the iconic surf film, “The Endless Summer.”

“Having an institution like the Smithsonian accept the artifacts, its artifacts and cultural totems, as culturally significant items is a big deal for this sport. It’s a coming of age,” Steve Pezman, a former publisher of “Surfing Magazine,” said.

It’s been 50 years since the release of the surf documentary “The Endless Summer.” As the story goes, co-star Robert August was a senior at Huntington Beach High School when he was asked by the filmmaker to go on an around-the-world surfing adventure.

“I can remember telling him, ‘No, I’m going to University’ I was a good student and I was the student body president at Huntington and I was set to be a dentist. That was my goal. And he said, ‘Well, this is gonna be kind of a big deal,’ ” August said.  The film put surfing on the map — a sport and culture that is now being celebrated in a very big way.

 

The Washington, D.C. artifact donation event at the National Museum of American History took place on Saturday, August 22, 2015. 

We are excited to share this new limited release art piece in commemoration of Robert and this truly special honor!