Mission Beach, June 29th, 2025. This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending Mikey Rat’s annual “Meeting of the Mats” birthday party – an event that, for me, always feels like stepping into a vibrant, living history book of surfing, perfectly aligned with the San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame’s movement.

The dedication to stoke was evident from the very start. Mikey, our indefatigable host, was up at 4 AM to secure the prime spot on the mound overlooking the boardwalk and ocean. Even a stubborn van that wouldn’t start couldn’t deter him. In a classic “only in San Diego” moment, a random truck driver down the alley, a familiar face to Mikey, provided the jump start needed. Once at the beach, Mikey’s art of turf securement was on full display. Faced with a rowdy neighbor blasting off-key music and drinking, Mikey simply chatted them up, casually mentioning a large church group arriving soon and inviting them to join the fellowship. Needless to say, they were gone shortly after!

Mikey’s pop-up tent at the top of the mound was more than just a canopy; it was a virtual pop-up history center for mat surfing. Seeing those vintage blue and mustard mats brought a wave of sentimentality over me, connecting directly to my own grandfather who rode a mat right here in Mission Beach in the 1960s and 70s. It was a tangible link to surfing’s early, accessible roots.

Among the fantastic fellowship were Steve and Cher Pendarvis, whom I genuinely consider the first couple of San Diego surfing. Steve shared captivating stories from the two summers he worked at Canyon Surfboards in the mid-1970s, detailing how a teenager like him could bike to local spots to buy fiberglass materials, and recalling Canyon’s owner, John Durwood, who generously resold materials to him at wholesale prices. Steve, of course, is the genius behind Pendoflex surfboards, those revolutionary fish-style boards with deeply flexing tails that allow for incredible carving. Cher, another San Diego surfing legend, shaper, artist, and author, added her invaluable presence to the gathering.

As we age, surfing becomes even more precious. Every sparkling drop of water fuels the stoke fire. Today, my own relationship with the ocean is more varied – mixing it up with swimming, bodysurfing, riding my surf mats, and gliding on my fishes. Just being weightless in the water helps keep the body loose and free, and breathing in that ion-rich air just above the surface is pure healing for the mind, lungs, and heart.

I also had a great chat with Randy Janson, owner of Methless Surfboards. Randy is an awesome and creative guy. Before starting Methless, which brilliantly recycles old skateboards into new surfboards, Randy worked at G&S Surfboards and managed the team for Gullwing Trucks. He’s a one-man show – shaping, painting, glassing, even crafting fins from old skate decks. He even glassed a board for me once. Randy is known for building durable boards with good foam, and he clearly prioritizes fun in his designs. I’ve only ridden one of his fish boards but have felt up many of his creations and watched him ride his prototypes. He’s constantly experimenting and refining ideas, both new and old. You can often find a good selection of his boards at Pack Rat Records, and he’s slowly branching out to shops in the Orange County area.

On a Sunday morning, even in the summertime, if you get up early, Mission Beach still offers that perfect blend of easy parking, great surfing, skateboarding opportunities, and simply amazing fellowship. My wife joined me for a delightful skateboard ride down to my grandfather’s old boardwalk-facing fourplex. With giant wheels and a low center of gravity, powder carving on a skateboard has never felt so effortless.

A Brief History of Surf Mats:

The event was a wonderful reminder of the humble origins of mat surfing:

• Early Days: Surf mats first gained popularity in the 1940s, offering an accessible way for all ages to enjoy waves. The Australian-invented Surf-o-planes from the 1930s were among the earliest, widely used for recreation and rescues alike. They were a common sight at San Diego beaches, often rented for a small fee, allowing many to “cut their ocean-riding teeth.”
• Peak Popularity & Decline: The 1960s marked the peak, notably with the durable Converse-Hodgeman mat. However, the advent of the Boogie Board (bodyboard) in the 1970s, with its less puncture-prone foam, significantly impacted mat popularity.
• Modern Resurgence in San Diego: Despite their decline in mainstream popularity, surf mats have seen a dedicated resurgence. Modern mats are lighter and more maneuverable. San Diego boasts notable pockets of riders, particularly in Point Loma and Encinitas, who share knowledge and foster a strong community. Pioneers like Dr. Ernest Smithers, George Greenough, and Paul Gross have been key figures. In 1984, Paul Gross began building handmade nylon mats under the 4th Gear Flyer logo, contributing to this niche market. Mikey himself is a 4th Gear Flyer retailer, stocking them at his Pack Rat Records shop.

It’s bittersweet to note that the day before Mikey’s birthday celebration, someone tragically broke into his shop and attempted to set it on fire. Mikey’s business is a true gift to the surfing community, a labor of love rather than a path to riches. Therefore, donations to support his efforts are always deeply appreciated.

Events like the Meeting of the Mats remind us that surfing’s soul lies not just in the waves ridden, but in the community, the history, and the pure, unadulterated joy of being in the ocean. Thanks, Mikey, for another unforgettable gathering!