During this monumental event for the global surf community, SHACC and its private donors presented to the Smithsonian a timeline of five surfboards that represent the early evolution of the surfboard — from a 1920s Duke Kahanamoku board to a two-piece Hobie bisect surfboard from the 1960s designed for easier airline transport. Additional surf culture artifacts donated to the Smithsonian included an original 16mm print of Bruce Brown’s wildly popular documentary, The Endless Summer, a large silkscreened print of the film’s iconic poster, and a collection other artifacts related to the film.

The public donation ceremony was highlighted by a panel discussion themed “Wave of Innovation — The Endless Summer,” which focused on the innovations and inventions the sport and lifestyle of surfing have brought to American culture. Moderated by Jeffrey Brodie of the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for The Study of Invention and Innovation, the discussion panel included: filmmaker Bruce Brown; Endless Summer co-stars Robert August and Mike Hynson; boogie board inventor Tom Morey; SHACC Executive Director Paul Strauch; SHACC Curator and Creative Director Barry Haun; educator, surf historian, and chairman of SHACC’s education committee Duncan Wilson; surfing legend Fred Hemmings; and big wave surfing pioneer and surfboard shaper Greg Noll.

“It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career to be part of this historic weekend in our nation’s capital,” said Paul Strauch, Executive Director at SHACC. “We not only celebrated surfing and surf culture being recognized as catalysts for change and innovation in American society,” but we also celebrated the 125th birthday of Duke Kahanamoku with traditional Hawaiian music and hula at the National Museum of the American Indian. It was a very heartwarming event in honor of my good friend and father of modern surfing.”

Saturday’s donation ceremony was preceded by the first-ever SHACC National Luau and fundraiser, held Friday evening at the Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington DC. During the luau, with “Wingnut” Weaver serving as the Master of Ceremonies, replicas of the surfboards ridden by August and Hynson in The Endless Summer were sold in a live auction, along with a replica of a Duke Kahanamoku solid wood surfboard.

“This project was a labor of love, two years in the making,” said Glenn Brumage, SHACC board member and Smithsonian liaison. “I’m proud to have been a part of helping elevate surfing’s reputation as a positive influence in our society. I look forward to our future as SHACC continues to tell the real story of surfing and the characters that influenced our lives, no matter how far from the beach you live.”

Founded in 2000 the Surfing Heritage is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting surfing’s heritage for the appreciation and education of current and future generations. SHACC serves as the world’s foremost educational and support resource for surfing publications, manufacturers, and museums. Surfing Heritage is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Learn more at www.surfingheritage.org