Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Matt Staff
This vintage 1960s surf culture photos collection can instantly transport you back to a sun-soaked time in history when “hanging ten” was a rite of passage. You’ll be able to feel the rhythm of beachside jam sessions, and also feel the overall electric thrill of catching that picture-perfect wave right before the massive crowds feel. The ’60s truly were a magical time to be alive and a part of the surfing scene. These 21 vintage photos do it justice.
This guy seems like he’s caught some great waves, indeed.
The moment before you go and catch that next epic wave can be one filled with anticipation.
Seriously, surfing can end up being its own kind of contact sport.
Everyone is just radiant in this shot.
The classic Mustang really elevates the whole ’60s-’70s surfing aesthetic here.
Yeah, that’s a nicely looked after surfboard indeed.
Definitely ready to shred it up.
They’ve no doubt transcended.
The vans for the surfers were just too clutch.
If you didn’t have pink surf shorts back in the day, then what were you really doing?
A wooden surfing van? Doesn’t get much more ’60s or ’70s than that.
The lifeguard chairs are special.
Southern California was the place to be for epic surfing sessions.
This actually looks like a great place to surf it up.
The real question is, just what kind of demonstration are we talking about here?
Their fits are that perfect blend of classy and athletically versatile.
No kidding, surfboards can get really heavy, really quickly after a long day out in the water.
Looks like a perfect day to surf away.
They really loaded up that rig with plenty of boards, didn’t they?
Simply iconic.
Surfing competitions can actually get quite competitive.
If you’re craving even more sandy nostalgia, check out our 20 Rare Vintage Photos From California’s Coastal Past or relive a sun-lotion-soaked day with 20 Vintage Beach Photos That Show Summer Was Better in the Seventies.