On Saturday, June 28, 2025 — what would have been his 83rd birthday — the surfing community gathered at Windansea Beach to pay final tribute to one of its most iconic surf figures, Mike Hynson, In true surf tradition, over 300 people lined the bluffs while nearly 250 watermen and women paddled out to honor Hynson in a moving memorial and sacra surfing ritual ceremony, called, a  Paddle Out.  It marked only the third time in San Diego’s history that City Lifeguards deployed their fireboat spray as ashes were laid to rest in the Pacific.

The Paddle Out felt like a reunion of San Diego’s surf legends, a gathering of familiar faces from the region’s storied surf scene. Many top surfers came out to celebrate Hynson’s life and legacy — a man best remembered for his role in Bruce Brown’s legendary film, Endless Summer and his surfboard shaping that helped revolutionize the surfing world.

WindanSea Surf Club hosted the event and Mike Hynson’s ex-wife, Melinda Merryweather was the organizer and with that said, she physically transformed the beach parking lot into a living tribute to Hynson’s career. She first started by decorating the Historical Shack the day before with a  group from Friends of Windansea and the Surf Club . Melinda, then along with the group, decorated the tents with eucalyptus branches and flowers, and under the tents she put together  rare photos, vintage articles, a cake, and a collection of surfboards shaped by Hynson himself — relics from an era when surfing was as much about freedom and expression as it was about perfect waves. The local rock band, The Tourmaliners, played classic surf music during the event. As the paddlers gathered to paddle out,  flowers were handed to them so they could toss them in the water during the sacra tribute.  The band performed the song Endless Summer. Food was provided by Phil’s BBQ, a local Mexican spot, and The Mandarin House.

About Mike:
Born on June 28, 1942, in Crescent City, California, Mike Hynson’s life was inseparable from the ocean. Frequent moves between Hawaii and Southern California during his youth forged a bond with the sea that shaped his path. His family eventually settled in Pacific Beach, where Hynson quickly became a standout in San Diego’s rebellious surf scene.

Hynson’s rise to fame came in 1966 when he co-starred alongside Robert August in, Endless Summer. The film followed the pair as they chased perfect waves around the world, capturing the imagination of audiences and introducing surf culture to a global audience. One of its most memorable scenes featured Hynson gliding effortlessly down a flawless, endless right-hander at Cape St. Francis, South Africa — a moment etched into surf history.

But Mike Hynson was more than just a film star. He was a visionary surfboard shaper and a pioneer in board design. In 1965, he created the iconic Red Fin longboard for Gordon & Smith, a board known for its speed, precision, and progressive design. It quickly earned a devoted following, affectionately known as the “Red Fin Army.”

Throughout his life, Hynson built a reputation as a hot-dogging performer, a shaping genius, and a free-spirited adventurer. He pushed the boundaries of both surfing and surfboard innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and the culture surrounding it.

Hynson is survived by his partner for over 20 years, Carol Hannigan of Encinitas; stepchildren Haley Ogden of Encinitas, Toby Ogden and Krys Ogden of Vista, and Damien Ogden of San Juan Capistrano. And his son, Michael Hynson Jr. of Laguna Beach; and four grandchildren Maile, Meilani, Miles and Mikah Hynson.

Photos by Kip Ives