John Whitmore (surfer)

John Whitmore (1929-2001) was a pioneering surfer, surfboard shaper, and filmmaker from Southern California. He is considered a significant figure in the development of big wave surfing and surf filmmaking.

Whitmore was born in Long Beach, California and began surfing in the 1940s. He gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s as a skilled surfer known for his powerful style and ability to ride larger waves. He was particularly associated with surfing spots like Waimea Bay in Hawaii, where he was among the first to consistently ride the massive waves.

Beyond his surfing prowess, Whitmore was an innovative surfboard shaper. He experimented with different designs and materials, contributing to the evolution of surfboard technology during a crucial period in surfing history.

Whitmore also made a lasting impact through his surf films. He produced and directed several influential surf movies, including "Surf Crazy" (1959) and "Walk on the Wet Side" (1963). These films captured the spirit of the early surfing lifestyle and showcased the skills of prominent surfers of the era. His films were instrumental in popularizing surfing culture and inspiring generations of surfers.

He was inducted into the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame in 1997. His legacy continues to be felt in the surfing world through his contributions to surfboard design, surf filmmaking, and his pioneering spirit in big wave surfing.