Around Town /
UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
Clockwise from above : a historic shot of Hobie Surf Shop in Laguna Beach ; an event held at the store ; the original Dana Point location , which opened in the 1950s
Humble Beginnings
The iconic Hobie Surf Shop is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its first retail store this year , showcasing the brand ’ s transition from humble beginnings to becoming an industry leader in the water sports sector . Visionary surfer Hobie Alter began shaping boards in the 1950s , leading to the creation of his first store , which opened on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point on Valentine ’ s Day 1954 . It has since expanded , with the Laguna Beach location opening in the 1970s . To celebrate how far the brand has come , special events are planned throughout the year , such as an in-store event at the Laguna Beach location with clothing brand Rhythm on May 11 and a partnership with Laguna resident Greg MacGillivray to screen his four iconic surf films from the 1960s and 1970s at various Hobie shops , with a Laguna showing of “ The Sunshine Sea ” on May 24 . Additional events will take place throughout the spring and summer as well , including a presentation of “ The Endless Summer II ” on Aug . 23 in collaboration with John Florence ’ s eponymous surf line , Florence , at a new San Juan Capistrano collaborative location expected to open soon ; later this year , on Nov . 10 , the Dana Point store will also host The Big One , an annual meetup of vintage surfboard collectors . ( 949-497-3304 ; hobiesurfshop . com ) — Ashley Ryan
PICKLEBALL FANS REJOICE : AN OPTION FOR INDOOR PICKLEBALL IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH , WHICH IS OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY ON MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY MORNINGS FOR ADULTS TO PLAY PICKLEBALL RAIN OR SHINE ON THREE COURTS THAT HAVE IMPACT-ABSORPTION PLAYING SURFACES TO REDUCE INJURIES . COURTS MAY BE RESERVED ONLINE AHEAD OF TIME . ( BGCLAGUNABEACH . ORG / ADULT-PICKLEBALL )
Pickleball courts at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach
LEFT AND MIDDLE RIGHT : COURTESY OF SURFING HERITAGE & CULTURE CENTER / SHACC . ORG ; TOP RIGHT : MARY HURLBUT ; BOTTOM : COURTESY OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH
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