Things were quite different when Randy Lewis surfed for the first time 49 years ago.
There was no video, no Internet, no media hoopla surrounding surfing, the way the sport is covered from all angles today, he said. Lewis is far from complaining. In fact, he said he's more than thrilled about the exposure and coverage today's surf athletes and the sport are receiving.
On Friday, Lewis will receive his just due when he steps into the limelight to be inducted into surfing lore.
At 10 a.m., the lifelong Huntington Beach resident will become a lifetime member of the Surfers' Hall of Fame in front of Huntington Surf & Sport at the corner of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway. He's part of a class that includes Australia natives Ian "Kanga" Cairns and Stephanie Gilmore.
"This is probably one of the best things that has happened to me," said the 60-year-old. "I'm very humbled by the honor. Aaron Pai and everyone at Huntington Surf & Sport has been so wonderful. I'm beyond thrilled.