2026 San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Celebrating the People Behind San Diego Surf Culture

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The 2026 San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame honors the people, places, and traditions that shaped the local surfing community.

On the evening of September 29, the San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame brought together surfers, shapers, shop owners, and longtime members of the local surf community for its 2026 induction ceremony at the San Diego Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club.

Set against the Mission Bay waterfront, the gathering was a reminder that San Diego surf culture is about more than waves and surfboards. It’s also about the people who have spent years building the community, passing along knowledge, and keeping the traditions of surfing alive for the next generation.

With Hank Warner serving as master of ceremonies, the evening recognized nine inductees whose contributions reflect different parts of that history: Paul Bordieri, Hank Byzak, Clairemont Surf Shop, Ron Greene, Devon Howard, Kanaka Surf Club, Jeanette Schumacher Prince, Steve Seebold, and Tony Staples.

The range of inductees speaks to the many ways people leave their mark on surfing. Individual surfers, shapers, businesses, and clubs all play a role in creating the culture that surrounds the sport. While their paths may differ, each represents a piece of the larger story of surfing in San Diego.

Throughout the evening, inductees and presenters shared stories that reached beyond individual accomplishments. With so many familiar names and longtime figures in attendance, the ceremony offered a chance to revisit the people and experiences that have helped define the local surf scene. It was also an opportunity for different generations of the community to come together, connect, and recognize the history they share.

For those of us at Local Break Surf Magazine, these are the stories worth preserving. Surf culture is built over decades, shaped by the people who show up, contribute to their communities, and make surfing part of everyday life. Events like the Hall of Fame induction help ensure those contributions are recognized rather than forgotten.

The 2026 ceremony was a tribute to the people behind the places, friendships, and traditions that continue to make San Diego a distinctive part of the surfing world.

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