Waterman’s Plaza

Surfing may have started in Hawaii but the surf industry started here in Dana Point. 

Dana Point’s surf culture has been the backbone of Dana Point culture. Surfer Magazine and Killer Dana were created here. From the Beach Boys to Hobie manufacturing his first foam surfboard, the surfing pioneers of the 50’s and 60’s caught waves at the legendary surf break of Killer Dana and Doheny State Beach. Dana Point’s laidback lifestyle is embedded in our surf culture and is portrayed in the cult classic, The Endless Summer, by filmmaker Bruce Brown who opened up his offices here in Dana Point where he produced the film that depicted the surf culture in the 1960’s. 

These surf innovators are honored with bronze statues at Waterman’s Plaza. Take a stroll and learn about the parts they played in the surf industry. Hobie Alter’s statue depicts him riding his famous Hobie Cat, while Phil Edwards’ bronze captures him catching a wave during the big surf days of the 1950s and ’60s. Edwards and Hobie were friends and both appeared in the classic surf film The Endless Summer.

Other surfing legends who are honored with statues at Waterman’s Plaza include filmmaker Bruce Brown, the late founder of Surfer Magazine, John Severson, Joyce Hoffman, the first international woman surfing star, and Tandem Surfers and owners of Infinity Surf, Barrie and Steve Boehne. The life-sized sculptures were created by local artist Bill Limebrook, who grew up in Dana Point. 

So if you’re a surfer or just a fan of the sport, be sure to check out Dana Point and its rich surfing history. You can find the statues at PCH Plaza, right across from Doheny State Beach.