OPENING WEEKEND FOR SURF CULTURE CENTER ANNOUNCED

I just got the announcement and my invitation to the official grand opening of the new SURFING HISTORICAL AND CULTURE CENTER in downtown Laguna Beach.  It’s happening the weekend of Sept 19, 20 and 21.  They had a small preview for a few guests back in June which I was stoked to be a part of.  It was amazing, I can’t wait to see it finished and up and running.  This is a huge deal for both the sport of surfing and the city of Laguna Beach.  

Most of the time when I get a press release or prepared information about something that I want to pass along to you my procedure would be to rewrite it into my own words, grammar cast to the wind as they are, and thenfloat it out there.  But this time I feel the best way to just show you what they said in the invite is just to show you what they said in the invite, I could not write this any better.  

“THE MOMENT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED. This September, Laguna Beach welcomes a remarkable new cultural institution. After more than two decades of planning, the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center is opening the doors to its permanent home in the heart of the city. Just steps from Main Beach, SHACC will become home to the world's most comprehensive collection of surfing history and culture, creating a new cultural landmark for Laguna Beach and a gathering place for generations to come.

To celebrate this historic milestone, SHACC invites you to join us for our Grand Opening Weekend, culminating with the Grand Opening Fundraising Gala on September 20th. This unforgettable weekend celebrates surfing's extraordinary journey, from its ancient Polynesian roots to the global cultural force it is today, while helping ensure that story is preserved, shared, and celebrated for generations to come”

See Corky’s art at Dana Bay Gallery, Dana Point, CA.

So yeah, this is gonna be bitchin’. Just so ya know, before you think I am using bad language, bitchin’ is not a profane word, it’s a word that was used to express “good” back when I was growing up, the same as “stoke” or “amazing” is now. As this is historical stuff it just seems like the right adjective. This place is gonna be chocked full of super cool stuff. From a huge collection of classic and historical surfboards to just about everything else known to man that is important from the culture standpoint. Anybody who has any interest in surfing is gonna want to come check this place out.

The event is something I know that I don’t want to miss. My entire life has been surfing and being a surfer. I grew up in the 1950’s and 60’s on the beaches of Orange County and started riding waves as a small boy. This led to a career as a professional surfer that has extended even to today in one form or another. I have been a part of this thing.

On Friday afternoon there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and then the new SHACC will officially open to the public. On Saturday there will be an open house with grand opening festivities. On Sunday night will be the huge Grand Opening Fundraising Gala which will feature a performance by Donavon Frankenreiter, guest speakers, a bevy of surf legends on hand, surf films, live and silent auctions plus heavy appetizers along with beer wine and cocktails. Tickets for the Gala are currently available but will sell out quickly, so get yours before they do. You can purchase them by using this link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/surfingheritageandculturecenter/2336500

I wanna give a big positive nod to some of the very cool people who I know for a fact have been working their guts out and pouring their souls into making this happen. Dick Metz first and foremost. The legendary surfing pioneer, Godfather of the “Endless Summer” and native Laguna Beach local who traveled the world exploring and spreading surfing and good vibes. Jeff Alter, son of Hobie Alter, a lifetime surfer and another native Laguna Beach local. Mark Christy, owner of the Hobie Surf Shops and The Ranch at Laguna Beach Hotel. Another extremely stoked lifetime surfer and local. Mark “Cubby” Samuels, a dude who worked for me as Graphic Designer in the Ad Department at SURFER magazine and went on to have his own creative design company for many years. Mark is another lifetime stoked surfer and has put in a zillion hours physically helping to put the place together. Greg MacGillivary, the iconic surf film maker who became the King of IMAX and yet another lifetime stoked surfer and Laguna Beach local. There are a bunch more who I would like to mention but am out of space.

I hope to see you there. The address for the new SHACC is 239 Broadway, Laguna Beach.