Surf Lesson in Hermosa Beach

The coastal area of the South Bay (Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beach) is believed to have been originally inhabited by the Tongva tribe of Native Americans as far back as 7,000 years ago.

The Portola expedition which took place during the mid - 18th century was the first European land exploration of what is now known as California. In 1784, the Spanish Crown deeded 75,000 acres to soldier Juan Jose Dominguez. In 1863 a Scottish immigrant named Sir Robert Burnett purchased Rancho Sausal Redondo from the Avilla family heirs then later sold to a Canadian named Daniel Freeman in 1885. Shortly after the Santa Fe Railroad built the first passenger railroad.

Originally part of the 10 mile ocean front Rancho Sausal Redondo, Hermosa Beach was acquired in 1906 and became a city in 1907. In the early days Hermosa (which means beautiful in Spanish) was rolling sand dunes and fields of barley and wheat. The first pier was built in 1904 and constructed of wood, it was later replaced with a concrete version that offered small tiled pavilions for fishing and picnics as well as a bait stand. Santa Fe railway (now the Green Belt, trailsnused for walking) was the only original transportation, later in 1904 the first electric transportation line running into the city called the Los Angeles Pacific Railway was built. He first hotel in Hermosa was called the Pioneer Hotel. The second hotel built in 1907 was called the Berth Hotel, it still stands today and is called The Breakers.

Dale Velzy is the godfather of South Bay shapers and surfers, he was the first shaper to commercially shape surfboards for the general population as well as sponsor surfers and market surfing to the mainstream. He was born in Hermosa Beach in 1927 and surfed on the original heavy weight surfboards during the 1930’s with the Hermosa, Palos Verdes, and Manhattan Surf Clubs. Dale began shaping in 1949 and started making the lighter weight balsa and redwood surfboards with the fins placed further back for the faster beach breaks. In 1953 Velzy partnered with iconic surfboard shaper “Hap” Jacobs and shortly after created the “Pig” board which made turning and nose riding easier. Velzy inspired other Hermosa Beach locals such as famous big wave surfer and olympic lifeguard Greg Noll and legendary surf filmmaker Bud Browne.

Leroy Grannis born in Hermosa Beach in 1917 began documenting surf culture in the early 1960’s and is recognized as one of surfing’s most important documentarians. He was voted lensman of the year in 1966 by the International Surfing Hall of Fame, awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by SIMA in 2002, featured within and on the cover of Taschen’s book “Surfing: Vintage Surfing Graphics”, as well as countless features in surfing and other popular magazines over the years.

Mike Purpus grew up in Hermosa and was a seven time finalist in the National championships, he also helped pave the way in the shortboard progression revolution during the 1970’s. Mike is a South Bay legend and somewhat of a surf historian, always one of the most stoked surfers in the water!

Skateboards were created by California surfers in the 1950’s as a way to recreate the feeling of surfing out of the water. A lifeguard named Larry Stevenson created the first “surf skate” skateboard that had clay wheels and and adjustable trucks, he founded his company “Makaha” in 1963. The first skateboard contest was sponsored by Makaha and held in Hermosa in 1963. Frank Nasworthy developed a soft urethane wheel in 1972, in 1973 Cadillac started manufacturing them which revolutionized the sport. In the late 1970’s surf shops became surf and skate shops and cities started building skate parks. Hermosa Beach Skate Park is a fixture in the community and a popular place for people to learn and practice.

Hermosa Beach hosts a multiple day competition each year in August called the International Surf Festival. You can find many of the best lifeguards from all over the world competing in events such as surfing, body surfing, paddle board racing, and dory racing. There are also many fun events for everyone else. The South Bay (Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach) has some of the most highly skilled lifeguards in the world.

Hermosa beach is a hot spot for beach volleyball and hosts many college and professional beach volleyball tournaments. Hermosa Beach has deeper sand than most beaches which makes it a desirable place to live and practice for professional beach volleyball players such as Olympic Gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings as it gives them a competitive edge.

The Lighthouse Cafe was built in 1934 and has been renowned for live music since 1949, hosting many jazz legends over the years. Saint Rocke is also a great spot for weekly live music. In recent years the Beachlife and Beachlife Ranch music festivals have become popular destinations for locals and tourists and visitors as well. There are also free concerts on the beach during summer months.

Fiesta Hermosa is held over Memorial an Labor Day weekends and features Arts & Crafts, tribute bands, a food & beer garden, and other entertainment.

Hermosa has spawned many core punk bands over the years such as Black Flag (1976), Descendants (1977), Pennywise, Circle Jerks, an 98 Mute.

The Insomniac (1958 - 1963) was a coffee house that for a time was open 24hrs a day/7 days a week that featured music (especially known for the hippest folk artists), art, books, poetry, and silent films. It became a popular hang out for celebrities and beatniks.