This black-and-white photograph from the Surfing Cowboys archive offers a rare look at surfing’s early days in Huntington Beach. The surfer, balanced on a hefty redwood board, rides effortlessly on the still, glassy water. The calm ocean stretches into the distance, with what appears to be trees on the shoreline—only, a closer look reveals them as oil rigs, emblematic of the era’s landscape. 

Before the advent of lightweight balsa boards, early surfers relied on redwood boards, which were challenging to transport due to their size (often 12-14 feet) and weight. Many surfers stored their boards near the shore for easier access to the waves. This photo captures Huntington Beach long before it earned the title Surf City, USA, yet it already held the magnetic allure of a surfer’s paradise. 

Professionally printed on acid-free, archival paper, this contemporary print is matted and framed for a timeless presentation. The photo size is 35.75" W x 23.75" H, and the outside framed dimensions are approximately 42.75" W x 31" H. Additional sizes are available by special order, and you can arrange for pickup at our Malibu store or contact us for a shipping or delivery quote.