San Diego is home to some sick waves — our oceanfront location makes surfing part of our culture. When you head to Windansea Beach, The Surf Shack is a scenic reminder of how stoked we are to embrace the extreme sport.
Historic Landmark 358 is more than just a photo op — it tells the story of our evolution into a rad surfing destination. 🏄
This shack means shelter, shade + San Diego. | Photo via @victoria619_photography
🌊 Early days
The Shack was built in 1947 (though some say it was 1946) by returning World War II veterans Woody Ekstrom, Don Okey + Fred Kenyon. Originally, it was made of branches from a eucalyptus tree with palms for roofing before being rebuilt in the 50s with sturdier blue gum eucalyptus.
It was built for shade — surfers would bring their wives, children + surfboards that needed a space to get out of the sun — but it soon got the attention of surf enthusiasts + local media, and would be a home of some epic luaus.
The 50s + 60s would bring a rise in attention, and attract some of the gnarliest surfers around. If a wave knocked the shack down, it would get rebuilt. Over time, the area would earn a reputation of being for “locals only,” so San Diegans could catch waves without interference from outsiders.
A uniquely San Diego site. | Photo via @hhughesphotography
🕶️ Cool facts
- 1963 — The Windansea Surf Club was established, and it’s still active today. Founding member Mike Hynson starred in the 1966 movie “The Endless Summer.”
- 1964 — A 400-pound concrete statue of a big-bellied surfer named “Hot Curl” was placed by the Shack + featured in the movie “Muscle Beach Party” before getting destroyed.
- 1968 — Author Tom Wolfe wrote “The Pump House Gang” about counter-culture in the 60s. He talked about the Shack, but locals didn’t take his interviews too seriously.
- July, 1968 — Police ended a luau at the Surf Shack, marking the end of the epic parties.
- September, 1994 — Windan’Sea Surfers Reunion Association hosts a day of fun surfing, old memories, and another celebratory luau.
- May 27, 1998 — The San Diego Historical Resources Board recognizes Surf Shack at Windansea Beach as a historic landmark.
No better way to celebrate 75 years. | Photo via @misfitpicturespmk
🏄♂️ Modern history
The Surf Shack was knocked down during a winter storm in 2003 and again in 2015 when a wave crashed into it — but locals didn’t get too salty. It’s happened before, so a group led by the Friends of Windansea went to work ensuring no pieces drifted into the sea + the Shack would stand once again.
When you go to Windansea, you’ll know their efforts were a success. You can still visit the landmark — and for a moment — feel you’re living the life of a surfer.
This year, San Diego celebrated the Surf Shack by dedicating a plaque to the site, and locals celebrated its 75th anniversary. The event doubled as a memorial for Woody Ekstrom who died in February, and surfers paddled out in his honor.
The legacy of this location will continue into San Diego’s future. The city declared March 20th WindanSea Surfer Shack Day to immortalize the shack + its importance to our communities.
