This striking image from the Surfing Cowboys collection takes us back to a rare moment in surf history, featuring a lone surfer gracefully riding a wave at Huntington Beach. During the 1930s, surfing was a niche pursuit in California, with fewer than 400 surfers along the coast. The solid wood surfboards used at the time were heavy, finless, and challenging to maneuver, requiring considerable skill to control in the waves. This particular surfer’s fluidity and ease, despite the limitations of his board, is a testament to the athleticism and spirit of early surfers.

We acquired this photograph’s negative from a private collection around 25 years ago, though the identities of the surfer and the photographer remain unknown. Professionally printed on acid-free, archival-quality paper, this contemporary print preserves the elegance of the original image. Framed and matted with dimensions of 25" W x 19" H, this piece is an evocative addition to any collection of surf or coastal art.