Surf Industry Icons Unite to Power SHACC’s Future

Pictured left to right: Dan McInerny, Greg MacGillivray, Mark Christy, Jeff Alter, Royce Cansler, Patti Paniccia, Spencer Croul, Randy Hild, and Paul Naude

The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center is excited to announce a revitalized Board of Directors, anchored by seven surf industry icons with over 300 years of combined experience in surf-related businesses. This strategic move is being heralded by co-founders Dick Metz and Spencer Croul, who (along with the prior Board Members who will now serve on an advisory level) have now entrusted the organization's legacy to a new generation of passionate surf-history preservationists.

“I can’t express how excited I am to finally pass the torch to a new generation,” says Metz, who first learned to surf in Laguna Beach in the 1930s. “Now at 95, knowing that SHACC will be in the hands of a team with the energy, focus, leadership, guidance, and fundraising acumen to take it to the next level, is just incredible. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible.”

Croul, who will remain on the board alongside the new team, shares Metz’s enthusiasm. “This move will elevate SHACC’s visibility and influence on a global scale,” he explains. “This exceptional group of directors brings the horsepower and expertise needed to solidify SHACC’s position as the premier surf archive, research center, and museum worldwide. Their leadership will ensure that SHACC not only survives but thrives for generations to come.”

Paul Naude and Mark Christy will serve as Co-Chairs of the new board, and be joined by Randy Hild, Greg MacGillivray, Dan McInerny, Jeff Alter, and Royce Cansler, who are all new to the board. Both Spencer Croul and Patti Paniccia will retain their existing board seats.

Over a span of many decades, Surfing Heritage has amassed what is unquestionably the world’s largest collection of iconic surfboards and surf-related memorabilia, spanning from craft and accessories to art, fashion, film, photography, music, and literature. Among its incomparable treasures are 3 of the few remaining Duke Kahanamoku boards known to exist, along with 800 more from every significant designer and performer in surf history.

“Surfing Heritage is effectively the Smithsonian of Surf,” Mark Christy notes. “Combining the balance of the world’s collections wouldn’t replicate half of what’s here. It’s the surfing equivalent of Lennon’s white piano, McCartney’s Höfner bass, and David Byrne’s “Stop Making Sense” white suit along with their handwritten lyrics and demo tapes. Yet, most surfers, and the general public, don’t even know what is here right under their noses. That’s what we intend to change by opening a dynamic, high-profile and publicly accessible facility where the public can immerse themselves into the many facets of Surfing through the scope of this collection.”

"The SHACC mission is deeply personal to me because Dick Metz has been a member of my family, and the Hobie brand that my dad built before I was born,” says Jeff Alter, who will serve as SHACC’s Executive Director. “I’m honored and excited for this opportunity, and to be armed with the incredible level of expertise this board brings to the table, as well as our amazing in-house staff: Barry K Haun, Linda Michael, Casey Prado, and Kate Luitjens."  

“The strength of this team lies in our collective experience in building businesses that support surfing which, by the way, happens to be the Official Sport of California,” says Paul Naude. “We feel a profound responsibility to both protect and project the richness of surf history. Our goal is to infuse SHACC with fresh energy and vision, recognizing that surf history is a living narrative.

Contextualizing the last decade, alongside the remarkable events of the past century, and surfing’s deep roots, is all vital. The storytelling never ends.”

SHACC BOARD MEMBERS

Paul Naudé

CEO of STOKEHOUSE UNLIMITED • former leader at GOTCHA, BILLABONG, and founder of VISSLA.

Mark Christy

Transformed THE RANCH at LAGUNA BEACH into an internationally awarded top-tier resort as Managing Partner.

Greg MacGillivray

Award-winning filmmaker and Pioneer of IMAX filmmaking and the Giant Screen Theater industry •Renowned for his innovative work in both surf films and mainstream cinema.

Randy Hild

Former EVP at QUIKSILVER, instrumental in building the ROXY brand into a global powerhouse.

Dan McInerny

Founding partner of footwear brand OLUKAI • Executive Director at AMA OLUKAI FOUNDATION.

Jeff Alter

Former President of HOBIE DESIGNS and HOBIE SURFBOARDS, overseeing surfboard and watercraft innovation.

Royce Cansler

Played key roles at GOTCHA, BILLABONG, BING SURFBOARDS, and RUSTY.

Spencer Croul

Co-Founder of SURFING HERITAGE and Culture Center and board member since inception.

Patti Paniccia

Co-launched IPS world surfing tour for women in 1976, while being ranked in the Top 10 • Part time adjunct law professor at Pepperdine Law School.