LIFE’s Favorite Surfing Photos

When you look at the best-selling photos in the LIFE print store, you find that a couple sports have representation that far outstrips their popularity with today’s fans.

One is boxing—and that owes to the continuing popularity of Muhammad Ali, one of the true icons not just of sports but of popular culture.

The other is surfing. That one stands out because it is more about a pastime than a competition. There are many quotes that sum up the appeal of surfing. Here’s one from noted surfer Frosty Hesson: “If you’re having a bad day, catch a wave.” Hesson made his name as a big-wave surfer, but the sentiment can be understood by anyone who has taken a refreshing dip in the ocean.

The sense of freedom and joy is what makes these surf pictures come alive. Many LIFE photographers took their turns having a day at the beach. Some of the most wonderful photos were taken by Allan Grant, more noted as a chronicler of Hollywood. But he also swung out to nearby Malibu and captured the surf culture there. This overhead shot of riders catching a wave is LIFE’s best-selling surf print.

LIFE photographers such as Ralph Crane, Loomis Dean and Frank Scherschel turned up gems as well. All these photos are wonderful. Enjoy,

Surfing, Malibu, California 1961
Allan Grant/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Malibu, California, 1961
Allan Grant/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfers, Malibu, California 1961
Allan Grant/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, California, 1950.
Loomis Dean/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Lima, Peru, 1959.
Frank Scherschel/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Hawaii, 1959.
Ralph Crane/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Manhattan Beach, Calif., 1965.
Ralph Crane/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Australia, 1958.
John Dominis/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Hawaii, 1963.
George Silk/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Lima, Peru, 1959.
Frank Scherschel/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Malibu, Calif., 1961
Allan Grant/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Hawaii, 1959.
Ralph Crane/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Malibu, Calif., 1961.
Allan Grant/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Surfing, Malibu, California, 1961.
Allan Grant/Life Pictures/Shutterstock

Sixteen-year-old Kathy Kohner (the real-life inspiration for the character of Gidget) rode a wave, Malibu, Calif., 1957.
Allan Grant/Life Pictures/Shutterstock