If you live around Hermosa Beach you might have been lucky enough over the weekend to have joined the memorial paddle out for legendary surf photographer, LeRoy Grannis.

I just love the poster that was designed by Phil Roberts for the event (above) – a stunning painting mixed with hand designed retro typeface, oh so appropriate for this occasion.

Grannis passed away at the age of 93 in February this year, with a rewarding life behind him, he left a brilliant legacy of photography chronicling Californian surf culture in the 60′s and 70′s.

A surfer from an early age, it wasn’t until his late thirties that Grannis took up photography as a hobby, and for a decade or so became one of the most iconic lens man of the times – giving him a nod into International Surfing Hall of Fame in 1966…..

1969, LeRoy Grannis surfing Hermosa Beach with a Calypso amphibious camera. Photo John Grannis

Donald Takayama with Bettina Brenna in 1965

1969, Sunset Beach, Duke Classic finalists

All Photography © LeRoy Grannis // Poster art by Phil Roberts
Book cover via Tachen // other images via Surf Museum // Artnet // Juice Magazine // Stoke report // Moments of Nostalgia

About Ingrid Schroder

A Sydney-side freelance graphic designer, photographer & yoga teacher - I find myself turning to nature for guaranteed revival from the crazy pace of city life - be it digging in my garden, capturing natural beauty through a lens, floating in the ocean, practicing yoga or out exploring this incredible planet we all call home. Follow me on twitter @Cohabitaire