Mike Hynson, the surfing icon who became a household name thanks to the 1966 documentary The Endless Summer, has passed away at 82. Known for his effortless style and rebellious spirit, Hynson was a trailblazer in the surfing world, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and its culture.

Hynson’s journey to fame began in 1963 when filmmaker Bruce Brown invited him and fellow surfer Robert August on a global adventure. Their mission? To chase the perfect wave. The trio traveled from Senegal to South Africa, Australia to Tahiti, and beyond, capturing the essence of surfing in The Endless Summer. The film turned Hynson into a symbol of the free-spirited surfer, forever etching his name in surfing history.

But Hynson wasn’t just a wave rider—he was also a master board shaper. In 1965, he designed the Red Fin longboard, a game-changer that became a favorite among surfers. His creativity and skill helped shape the sport, both literally and figuratively.

Surfing magazine called Hynson’s life “one of the greatest surf lives ever lived,” praising him as a “hot-dog performer, a shaping genius, and a cosmic adventurer.” His influence extended far beyond the waves, inspiring generations of surfers to embrace the sport’s rebellious and adventurous spirit.

Hynson passed away on January 10 in Encinitas, California. While the cause of death remains unknown, his legacy as a surfing pioneer and cultural icon lives on. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just a fan of the sport, Mike Hynson’s story is a reminder of the magic and freedom that surfing represents.