I’ve just stumbled across the work of Ron Church, who captured some extremely cool shots of the surf lifestyle and culture in 1960s’ SoCal.
The photos that really stood out from the rest (or sat out, your choice), though, are these.
Dudes sitting atop their longboards to get a better view of the surf contest in front of them at Huntington Beach, SoCal.
I haven’t been able to lock down the exact year, or years, but it’s looking like circa 1962-64.
How did they get up there?
They wedged the end of the board into a heaped pile of beach sand until it was stable, of course! Then they used the waxed side rails to climb up, much like climbing a pole or a tree.
Keep in mind that surfboard wax is applied for grip; it’s not slippery like furniture or floor wax. Cool, huh?
About Ron
Ron Church (1934-1973) was a pioneering surf photographer who captured the essence of Southern California and Hawaiian surf culture in the 1960s.
A waterman himself, Church’s unique perspective and elegantly composed black and white photographs immortalized legends like Duke Kahanamoku and Greg Noll, shaping the visual identity of surfing for generations to come. His work remains a testament to the era’s vibrant energy and timeless beauty.
⌁ See more of Ron’s work here on archiv-e.com & Club of the Waves.
