In brief
Renowned surfer Mike Hynson, a star of the iconic surf documentary “The Endless Summer,” died on January 10 at 82, leaving behind a legacy as an outlaw spirit who transformed surfing into a celebrated culture.
Mike Hynson, an emblematic figure of surfing and a star from the legendary 1966 documentary “The Endless Summer,” has passed away at the age of 82 on January 10 in Encinitas, California. His death was confirmed by Donna Klaasen Jost, a co-writer of Hynson’s 2009 autobiography, “Transcendental Memories of a Surf Rebel.” The cause of death is yet to be disclosed.Emerging during a time when surfing was largely regarded as a quirky pastime linked to West Coast youth culture—exemplified by movies like “Beach Blanket Bingo” (1965) and songs by the Beach Boys—Hynson not only showcased unmatched prowess on the waves but also made a name for himself as a talented surfboard designer. He notably crafted the famed Red Fin longboard, introduced in 1965 for the Gordon & Smith brand.In the wake of his passing, Jake Howard from Surfer magazine praised Hynson, calling his life “one of the greatest surf lives ever lived,” highlighting his immeasurable influence on both the sport and culture of surfing as an innovative performer and shaper.Hynson's journey took off in 1963 when he was invited by filmmaker Bruce Brown to join a life-changing expedition alongside fellow surfer Robert August. Their travels led them across Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Australia, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Hawaii, as they chased the ultimate waves while evading winter's chill, ultimately enhancing the world’s view of surfing as both art and adventure.
