The View from Inside the Logo

Surfrider Foundation has become a unique organization for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the logo. It is a powerful graphic vision of a place visited only by surfers, and yet it symbolizes much more than a surfer’s dream. The inside of a perfect wave is an extraordinary gift from nature to those with a special combination of courage, judgment, and determination, the very qualities that exemplify an organization dedicated to preserving all that the ocean gives us whether we are tuberiders or not.

Now, a tuberide is usually a solitary adventure, and for a while I was the guy with a lot of ideas about a “Cousteau Society” for people who ride surf in one way or another. But by the summer of 1984, I realized that establishing a solid foundation for a new version of surfing would, unlike tuberiding, have to be a team effort.

And so the Surfrider Foundation was born thanks to brainstorming with L.J. Woods, Steve Merrill and his ideas for the Baja Assistance Program, Lance Carson’s legendary reputation, the extraordinary Tom Pratte and his pioneer environmental activism, the unifying voice of body surfer Chris Blakely, and Santa Cruz kneeboarder Dan Young’s invaluable contributions. The team was later augmented by Donna Oakley, from Surfer’s ‘The Surf Report” to shape up our first newsletter and Marcia Davis whose accounting skills kept us solvent and functional.

These “co-founders” all made significant contributions in many ways, though none so timeless as when, in the spring of 1985, David Moeller joined the board and created the logo for Surfrider that endures to this day.

Photo: George Greenough © 2000 Harold Ward

Now there are many who see the logo and think of George Greenough’s “Innermost Limits of Pure Fun” and the footage he shot inside the tube in the late 60s. In fact, in 1974 George gave me a 3x5 frame grab from the film that looks exactly like the Surfrider logo, and over the years I used that blurry print to explain the symbolism behind the logo and the challenges facing every Surfrider member.

Photo: Woody Woodworth

But truth be known, the vision that became Surfrider’s logo was entirely David Moeller’s, a guy who still boats in to Cojo on big south swells, and continues to be a successful graphic artist in Huntington Beach.
And if you ask David, he in turn credits the sharp and perfectly focused shots of Woody Woodworth as HIS inspiration for the graphic symmetry of the image that united us all twenty years ago.

So next time you glance at Surfrider’s logo, stand in David’s place on a surfboard, or ride on your knees like George, or snap a photo like Woody – and realize the vision also belongs to you, and every person who feels inspired by a sight so rare, so powerful, and so beautiful – and who is dedicated to making the future of riding waves a wonderful experience for generations yet to come.

 

Glenn Hening

Founder, Surfrider Foundation

Comments

[Rob Beedie]

Glenn,

Without your vision I would have never met Tom Pratte and for that pleasure I sincerely thank you and all of the dedicated individuals that helped you early on.

I wholeheartedly agree with you that Surfrider like surfing itself should be fun.

Coastal problems are endless and will always exist. Thank goodness that a few "Master Surfers",your initial team, slowed down long enough to "share some stoke" with others.

Surfriders' future is bright indeed. A great educational network has been developed and I'm sure it will reach millions in the not too distant future.

As we focus on the problems and share information openly and freely we all as surfers should continue to do so by staying wet, staying stoked, and teaching others what the masters of yesteryear taught each of us.

The CROSSSTEP, yes staying wet,staying stoked,and cross stepping is vitally important.

I'm sure that Surfrider by sharing the basics will gain support globally beyond anyones wildest dreams.

Thanks again for making the first step many years ago.

[David Moeller]

Glenn,

I met you a few times over the years and want to thank you for the above article. I am Dave's son and have always been proud and inspired by him for what he's done. I appreciate the fact that he is still recognized by you and the Foundation and when I showed him this, he was very pleased and flattered as well. Thank you for this and keep up the good work.

David Moeller