FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Diego Surfing Legend Mike Hynson Passes Away at 82.
San Diego, CA January 11th, 2025 – The San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame mourns the loss of inducted surfing icon Mike Hynson, who passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025.
Hynson, a true pioneer of surfing, will be remembered for his groundbreaking role in popularizing the practice worldwide. His starring role in the iconic film “The Endless Summer” captured the essence of surfing’s natural allure, transforming it from a recently outlawed activity into a global phenomenon.
Beyond his on-screen presence, Hynson was a visionary surfboard shaper, influencing the design and performance of boards for generations of surfers. His influence extended beyond the waves, impacting surf culture and lifestyle with his unique style and charisma.
Hynson’s contributions to surfing earned him a place in the San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame. He was an active member of the WindanSea Surf Club and continued to inspire generations of surfers throughout his life.
In recent years, Hynson remained active in the surfing community. He showcased a new line of psychedelic-themed surfboards at the Boardroom Show earlier this year and was even developing a pilot for a surfboard-building reality show, “The American Surfboard Challenge.”
Hynson is survived by his son, Mike Hynson Jr., his first wife, Melinda Merryweather, and Carol.
The San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame extends its deepest condolences to the Hynson family during this difficult time.