HSS Inducts Three New Members into Surfers’ Hall of Fame
Huntington Surf & Sport inducted three new members to the Surfers’ Hall of Fame Friday morning – Jamie O’Brien, Jeff Deffenbaugh, and Ilima Kalama – in front of the HSS Main Street store.
HSS Owner Aaron Pai, his family, and HSS employees hosted another well-attended event that attracted industry notables including Bob Hurley, Gerry Lopez, Shaun Tomson, and more.
Surfers’ Hall of Fame honorees Jeff Deffenbaugh, Ilima Kalama and Jamie O’Brien. Photo by Tom Servais, courtesy of HSS.
Jamie O’Brien, the son of a lifeguard who was raised in Hawaii, was praised for his prowess at Pipeline, his ability to surf on anything, and his forward-thinking vision that has turned him into a popular YouTube star with more than 1.3 million subscribers.
Former world champion surfer Shaun Tomson recounted all the great Pipeline surfers he has seen over the years, and said O’Brien “is one of the greatest out there.” He also praised O’Brien’s “talent, imagination, and vision.”
Gerry Lopez and Jamie O’Brien. Photo by Tom Servais, courtesy of HSS.
Pai described honoree Jeff Deffenbaugh as a “local pier rat” who went on to win several titles as a professional surfer and is currently an important part of the Huntington Beach Boardriders Team. Known for being a fierce competitor during contests, Deffenbaugh also mentors the next generation of surfers on the team.
“In a town of sizzling hot surfers, he’s one the best,” local legend Corky Carroll said during the ceremony.
Ilima Kalama, born and raised in Honolulu, eventually moved with his family to Newport Beach, and became a well-known surfer with sponsorships from notable brands such as Hobie Surfboards and Hang Ten. A Huntington Beach lifeguard, Kalama also won the United States Surfing Championships in 1962.
Taylor Pai, Ilima Kalama, and Aaron Pai. Photo by Tom Servais, courtesy of HSS.
Pai started the Surfers’ Hall of Fame in 1997 to honor the people who have helped shape, influence, and evolve surf culture.
Since then, nearly 100 surfers have set their hands, feet, and signatures into cement markers in front of the HSS store at the corner of Main Street and PCH.
Huntington Beach local Jeff Deffenbaugh. Photo by Tom Servais, courtesy of HSS.
Shaun Tomson and Paul Sampson at the cermony. Photo by SES.
