400 Surfers Paddle Out in Huntington Beach to Honor Brian Wilson

Following the death of Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, Huntington Beach held a memorial paddle-out attended by around 400 people to honor his legacy and contributions to surf culture through music. The event took place near the Huntington Beach pier and coincided with International Surfing Day and the first official weekend of summer, featuring speeches by notable figures including surfer Peter “PT” Townend and Visit Huntington Beach CEO Kelly Miller. While Wilson was not a surfer himself, his music, including hits like "Surfin’ U.S.A." and co-writing Jan and Dean’s "Surf City," deeply influenced Southern California's beach culture and the surfing community. Attendees formed a circle in the water during the paddle-out, a traditional tribute in surfing culture, as Beach Boys classics played in the background. The event was organized quickly following a conversation between Dean Torrence of Jan and Dean and Kelly Miller, aiming to celebrate Wilson's impact and belatedly mark his birthday. Wilson’s manager described him as a creative genius and a gentle soul whose music and message of love left an indelible mark on the world.