Hermosians," Long Beach Press-Telegram, December 4, 1939

A three-man team representing Hermosa Beach Surfing Club yesterday won the Dick Loynes perpetual trophy emblematic of the National Surfing Championships in the fog-shrouded waters of Rainbow Pier.

Booming out of the fob blanket on the crests of curling breakers that saturated onlookers, the Hermosa Beach men nosed out the defending trophy holders of Manhattan Beach by 10 points. Venice Surfing Club was third and Long Beach fourth. Gene Smith, member of the Hawaiian Surfing Club, which traveled here from the islands, competed along against the teams after his two teammates, AC Spohler and Jack May, withdrew in the face of the unusual weather conditions. He finished fifth against heavy odds.

Individual surfing honors went to Long Beach Surfing Club members John Olson, who finished first, Alvin Bixler second, and Bob Rheinhardt fourth. Gene Smith of Hawaii came in third.

Note: the National Surfing and Paddleboard Championships were only held in 1938 and 1939.

1939 National Surfing and Paddleboard Championships

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