Mike Hynson (1942–2025), The Endless Summer surfer
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2 min readMike Hynson was a California surfer and surfboard designer who became a star of the scene in the 1960s when his adventures were captured in the 1966 documentary, “The Endless Summer.”
- Died: January 10, 2025 (Who else died on January 10?)
- Details of death: Died in Encinitas, California at the age of 82.
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Mike Hynson’s legacy
The world’s view of the California surfing scene was in many ways shaped by Hynson, along with fellow surfer Robert August, as captured by director Bruce Brown in the 1966 documentary classic, “The Endless Summer.”
Born in Crescent City, California and spending time going back and forth between southern California and Hawaii as a kid, Hynson grew up in the burgeoning surf scene of the era. By the time he met Brown in 1963, he’d already earned a reputation as a daring surfer and expert board builder. “The Endless Summer” took him from local legend to worldwide star.
The documentary, which follows Hynson and August on a global quest to find the perfect wave, became a cult classic. It introduced millions of viewers to the surfing lifestyle, helped make Hynson an icon of the scene, and fueled the beach party craze of the 1960s.
But Hynson was not just a surfer; he was also an acclaimed surfboard designer who helped change the way they are crafted. One of his most notable contributions was the creation of the down-rail design, which provided surfers with better control and maneuverability in the water.
In addition to “The Endless Summer,” Hynson appeared in several other documentaries, including “Free and Easy,” “Rainbow Bridge,” and “BoardRoom.” With the help of author Donna Klaasen Jost, Hynson told his story in the 2009 book, “Mike Hynson: Transcendental Memories of a Surf Rebel.”
Tributes to Mike Hynson
Full obituary: The Orange County Register
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