Lifesize Bronze Statue of Hoffman Brothers, Pioneers of the Hawaiian-Infused Aesthetic of California Surf Clothing, To Be Unveiled July 31 at Dana Point’s Watermen’s Plaza

A statue of Walter, left, and Flippy Hoffman will join a collection of other Dana Point surf influencers at the Waterman’s Plaza across from Doheny State Beach. (OCR/SCNG Staff Photos)

On July 31, the City of Dana Point will unveil a bronze life-size statue of Walter and Philip “Flippy” Hoffman, the most recent surf industry icons to be added to the Watermen’s Plaza collection.

The Hoffmans were renowned as devoted surfers and visionary owners of the iconic Hoffman California Fabrics, founded by Rube Hoffman in 1924. Through their vibrant tropical prints and relaxed textiles, they supplied the creative energy behind the clothing of a movement. By pioneering the Hawaiian-infused aesthetic of California surf clothing, Hoffman California Fabrics became the go-to source for surf wear giants including Ocean Pacific, Quiksilver, Gotcha, Billabong, and O’Neill. Their fabrics defined the Aloha-inspired aesthetic that has become a global symbol of surf lifestyle.

Along with their remarkable influence on the textile world, the Hoffman brothers were pioneers of big-wave surfing on Oahu’s North Shore in the early 1950s. Among the first to ride legendary breaks around the world, they earned respect not only for their business acumen but for their daring in the water.

Created by artist Bill Limebrook, the life-size bronze statue of the brothers depicts them wearing their signature tropical prints together holding a surfboard. The Hoffman brothers join an inspiring collection of statues depicting Dana Point legacies who all contributed to the surf industry we know today.

These individuals include Endless Summer filmmaker Bruce Brown, Hobie Cat creator Hobie Alter, legendary surfers Joyce Hoffman and Phil Edwards, Surfer magazine founder John Severson, tandem skateboard and surf team Barrie and Steve Boehne, and now the Hoffmans. Following the addition of the Hoffmans, the Plaza’s next scheduled legacy will be Mickey Munoz, a pioneer of big-wave surfing in Hawaii and the inventor of the “Quasimoto” stance.

“Our City is proud of its role in the growth of the surf industry as many of the people we have honored within Watermen’s Plaza were born and/or lived in Capistrano Beach or worked within the city. The Hoffman brothers grew up here and while their influence is known worldwide through their fabrics and prints, we are proud of knowing they called our city home. I grew up with Walter’s grandchildren, Ryan, Ahna, and Aaron Hoffman, and loved hearing stories about their lives with Walter and Flippy. It is so meaningful to now see their legacy memorialized here in Dana Point,” said Dana Point Mayor Matthew Pagano.

As noted, Dana Point’s Capistrano Beach has a significant connection to the early history of the surf industry, and many of the people honored at Watermen’s Plaza worked, created and surfed together from that oceanfront location.

Watermen’s Plaza and PCH Plaza, were created to celebrate Dana Point’s coastal history and the iconic watermen and women that helped to shape the surf industry. Located along Pacific Coast Highway just past its official starting point at the 5 freeway in Dana Point, the two plazas feature unique artwork and statues of innovative athletes, and artists who made their mark in Southern California and throughout the world.

The unveiling ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. at the Plaza.