Today is International Surfing Day. A big event starts at 10 AM at Huntington Beach Pier, Northside. It’s free to enter. This paddle out honors Brian Wilson, who died on June 11, 2025, at 82. His music shaped surfing culture, and today’s event marks his impact.
Brian Wilson co-founded the Beach Boys in 1961 with his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Only Dennis surfed, but Brian’s songs made surfing famous. Their first hit, “Surfin’,” came in 1961 after Dennis shared his beach stories. In 1963, “Surfin’ U.S.A.” named real spots like Huntington Beach, putting it on the map. The song hit number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was named the year’s top track. This drew people to the coast, boosting California’s population by three million between 1962 and 1970.
Wilson wrote “Surf City” for Jan & Dean in 1963. The line “two girls for every boy” became a slogan for Huntington Beach. Dean Torrence, who’ll speak today, pushed for the town’s “Surf City USA” nickname in 1991. It was officially trademarked in 2006. This branding sparked surf shops, events, and a dog surfing contest held yesterday, June 20, 2025. Wilson’s music laid the groundwork for this.
Though Wilson never surfed—fear of the ocean and a board injury stopped him—his songs painted a surfing dream. “Surfin’ Safari” and “California Girls” spread this image globally. His 1966 album “Pet Sounds” added depth with tracks like “God Only Knows,” influencing music beyond surf culture. His work drew tourists to Huntington Beach, fueling its surf economy.
The event today features a paddle out with Dean Torrence and Peter “PT” Townend, the 1976 world champ, as emcee. Bring a surfboard and join the community. It’s a tribute to Wilson’s legacy.