The California Surf Museum’s 2025 Gala Fundraiser and Silver Surfer Awards
On November 1, 2025, the California Surf Museum hosted its 17th Annual Gala Fundraiser, including the Silver Surfer Awards Honoring The Endless Summer movies, directors and surfers, marking a significant milestone as the museum celebrated its 39th anniversary. The event took place at the stunning Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa in Oceanside, California, providing a picturesque backdrop overlooking the Oceanside Pier and the Pacific Ocean, with a SW swell rolling in!
Dana Brown, Mike Hynsons, Pat O’Connell and Robert “Wingnut” Weaver. Photos by Lance Smith Photography.
The California Surf Museum’s 17th Annual Gala was truly a night to remember—an evening overflowing with laughter, gratitude, and the ohana spirit that defines our surf community.
The Gala commenced at 2:00 PM with a delightful cocktail hour held on the outdoor patio, where guests mingled, listened to music by David and Kylea Shiels, watched artist Wade Koniakowsky paint a beautiful wave, and browsed an awesome array of silent auction items including art surfboards, a trip to Maui, food, wine, 574 Organic Tequila, fishing gear, California Locos skateboards, paintings, and much more, displayed in the indoor patio.
At 5:30 PM, attendees were invited into the Grand Coastal Ballroom for a delicious dinner service, setting the stage for an exciting evening ahead. CSM Board of Director Dr. Pierce Flynn introduced Executive Director Jim Kempton, who welcomed everyone and got the show rolling!
The Long View band played the theme from The Endless Summer movie!
Then came Jane Schmauss, CSM Historian and Co-founder of the California Surf Museum, who took the stage and reminded us what it’s all really about—the heart and soul of surfing. She spoke about the gift that surfing brings to those lucky enough to live it—the people, the culture, the history—and how it connects us all. You could feel the room quiet and lean in; it was a moment that hit home for everyone there.
One of the highlights of the night was the live auction, led by auctioneer Jesse Hernandez, which featured two exclusive surfboards crafted specifically for this event including a Mike Hynson Model Hobie by Rich Pavel and a Steve and Cher Pendarvis Pendoflex 9’2″ Streaker Seeker – The Wave Dancer, honoring Jericho Poppler.
The atmosphere was electric as guests bid on more unique surfing culture items including a Waterways Travel Nicaragua Surf Resort Trip for 5 Nights at at Two Brothers Surf Resort, two 5-night Stays at Pat O’Connell’s home in Pinilla, Costa Rica, bespoke home dinners by Shawn Styles and Jim Kempton, and more, all in support of the Museum’s mission to collect and preserve the rich history of surfing.
As the evening progressed, the much-anticipated Silver Surfer Awards, hand-made by Larry Balma, were presented to this year’s esteemed honorees by Tara Torburn.
2025 Silver Surfer Honorees:
• Bruce Brown (1937-2017)) & Dana Brown, renowned filmmakers and screenwriters of The Endless Summer 1 and 2
• Surfers Mike Hynson (1942-2025)), Robert August, Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, and Pat O’Connell
Dana Brown, son of Bruce Brown and the director of Step Into Liquid, shared heartfelt thoughts and memories of his and of his dad Bruce Brown that filled the room with warmth and deep appreciation. Michael Hynson Jr., son of surf legend and master shaper Mike Hynson, accepted the Silver Surfer honor on behalf of his late father who we recently lost. He shared touching thoughts that reminded everyone of Mike’s influence and spirit. Wingnut kicked things off with emotion and humor, and when he and Pat O’Connell got rolling together—watch out! The whole room was lit up with laughter, energy, and that unmistakable joy that only those two can bring. Topping off the group was our Honorary Chair, Jericho Poppler, whose spirit and energy truly shone over the event.
This year’s honorees were celebrated for their invaluable contributions to the surfing community, with heartfelt tributes shared throughout the evening. City of Oceanside Manager Jonathan Borrego and Visit Oceanside’s Leslee Gaul were in attendance to celebrate the honorees along with many surfing culture legends including Mickey Muñoz, Linda Merrill, Peter Townend, Greg McGillivray, Rory Russell, Alf Laws, Debbie Beacham, Mike Hynson Jr., Shawn Styles, Tara Torburn, Shannon Aikman, Chuy Reyna, LJ Richards, Phil Roberts, Evan Slater, Brian Logan, Dale Smith, Cory Whitlock, Dave Kaplan, Kevin Kinnear, John Lamb, Brian Szymanski, Guy Takayama, Craig Hollingsworth, Dave Dominy, Mike Cottrell, Robert Cirac, Brian Selstrom, Jim Phillips, Veronika Strachova, Gina Masaglia, Lance Smith, Ron Taylor, Torgen Johnson and many more.
The funds raised during the Gala will play a crucial role in helping the California Surf Museum continue its efforts in preserving surfing history, creating engaging exhibits, and providing educational programs that inspire future generations. The California Surf Museum serves as an international repository and resource center on the lifestyle sport of surfing by capturing, preserving, and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.
Huge thanks to Louise Balma (Gala Event Director) and her team, who went above and beyond to make it all happen!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the success of the evening. Your support is invaluable to the California Surf Museum and helps ensure that the legacy of surfing continues to thrive for all.
