Presented by Quiksilver Waterman Collection, the first biennial Surfing Heritage Vintage Surf Auction “California Gold” went off at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa yesterday with total sales of $680,000. The event was organized to raise funds for the Surfing Heritage & Cultural Center, which has as its mission the preservation of surfing’s history for current and future generations.
Hundreds of surfers and collectors attended the event to enjoy the art, music, book signings, vintage cars and of course the silent and live auctions. Surf legends and industry icons in attendance included Tom Curren, Peter Mel, Keith Malloy, Robert “Wingnut” Wea
ver, Mark Cunningham, John Van Hamersveld, Greg Noll, Larry Bertlemann, L.J. Richards, Mickey Munoz, Peter Townend, Rich Harbour, Rusty Miller, C.R. Stecyk III, Paul Naude and Fernando Aguerre.
With more than 50 surfboards from the early 1900s through today, a highlight of the auction included the Pete Peterson 1949 California Point Break Board, which sold for the highest price of $32,400. In addition, the most anticipated portion of the evening, the sale of “The Surf Riders of Hawaii” by A.R. Gurrey, Jr. book sold for $27,000.
The proud new owner of a $32,400 Pete Peterson 1949 California Point Break Board is Reef co-founder Fernando Aguerre.
“I’m stoked that all of the surfers and collectors supported the event’s debut in California. The strong demand for the rare surfboards and memorabilia, was demonstrated by more than 90% of the lots selling,” said Scott Bass, director of the Surfing Heritage Vintage Surf Auction. “After the solid showing yesterday, we are looking forward to doing it again in two years.”
As soon as Tom Curren took the stage all other event happenings seemed to stop, and all eyes and ears were tuned into his performance.
The Surfing Heritage & Cultural Center would like to thank the presenting sponsor Quiksilver Waterman collection, and supporting sponsors Surfers Village, Longboard Vineyards, Sticky Bumps and Primo Beer, as well as the other participants, sponsors and volunteers that helped make the day’s event a great success.
