SoCal Surf Legend Mike Hynson of Endless Summer, Dies at 82

Mike Hynson, a pioneering figure in the surfing world and co-star of the seminal 1966 documentary “The Endless Summer,” passed away on January 10, 2025, at a hospital in Encinitas, California. He was 82 years old.
Born on June 28, 1942, in Crescent City, California, Hynson was the son of a U.S. Army soldier, which led his family to relocate frequently between Hawaii and San Diego County. This upbringing fostered his deep connection to the ocean and the burgeoning surf culture of Southern California.
After graduating from Mission Bay High School, Hynson was on the verge of being drafted into military service during the Vietnam War when filmmaker Bruce Brown recruited him for what would become “The Endless Summer.” Alongside fellow surfer Robert August, Hynson embarked on a month-long journey to various surf destinations around the world, including Australia, Tahiti, Ghana, and South Africa, in search of the perfect wave. The documentary not only elevated Hynson to international fame but also played a significant role in popularizing surfing globally.
Hynson’s distinctive style, characterized by his thick, swept-back blond hair and fashionable attire, became a trendsetter within the surfing community. His contributions extended beyond his on-screen presence; he was an innovative surfboard shaper. His renowned Red Fin longboard, known for its superior edge control, influenced surfboard design for generations and led to the formation of the “Red Fin Army,” a group of surfers who adopted his designs.
In addition to his surfing and design achievements, Hynson demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by opening one of San Diego County’s first juice bars in the early 1970s. He also authored an autobiography, “Mike Hynson: Transcendental Memories of a Surf Rebel,” providing an in-depth look into his life and career.
Hynson’s personal life included a marriage to Melinda Merryweather in 1970, which ended in divorce after several decades. He was survived by his longtime partner of 24 years, Carol Hannigan, and his son, Michael Hynson Jr., from his first marriage. Friends and family remembered him for his mischievous spirit, kindness, and ability to bring joy to those around him.
Despite facing challenges in the late 1960s, including struggles with drug abuse linked to his involvement with the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, Hynson overcame these difficulties and returned to his passion for surfing and surfboard design. His resilience and dedication to the sport left a lasting impact on the surfing community.
Mike Hynson’s legacy is immortalized not only through his contributions to surfing and surfboard technology but also through the cultural influence of “The Endless Summer,” which remains a beloved classic in the surfing genre. His work helped shape the identity of modern surfing and inspired countless individuals to embrace the sport.
Hynson’s death marks the end of an era for the surfing world, but his influence continues to resonate. He is remembered as a true icon who embodied the spirit of endless summer and the relentless pursuit of the perfect wave.