Hobie Exhibit
Presented by Hobie Surf Shop
Now on exclusive display at the resort are unique memorabilia, historical images, and iconic surfboards from Southern California’s first surf shop, Hobie, which opened in the 1950s in Dana Point. Located above Salt Creek Beach, one of Southern California’s most infamous surf beaches, the oceanfront resort continues to embrace the area’s legendary surf culture by collaborating with Hobie on a rotating exhibit, located on the lobby level, and on display throughout 2021. The exhibit currently highlights founder Hobie Alter’s rooted passion for the ocean and the development of the Catamaran sailing boat. In the late sixties, Hobie, along with Phil Edwards and Wayne Schaffer, designed a lightweight version of the Polynesian catamaran. This new vessel, called the Hobie Cat 14, has developed into one of Alter’s most widely recognized inventions.
Surfing Heritage & Culture Center Surfboards
On loan from Surfing Heritage & Culture Center
The resort proudly displays four surfboards on loan from the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center, an 8,000 square-foot museum that holds the world’s most extensive collection of historic surfboards, evolutionary surfing gear, photography, film/multimedia, books, oral history, and ephemera. The Surfing Heritage & Culture Center strives to pay homage to a board-building craft and traditions that dates back to ancient Hawaii. The collection on display at the resort includes a 9’7” Lance Carson reproduction model, 1998 Harbour classic reproduction model, 9’10” Gordon & Smith Retro Red Fin model shaped by Steve Seebold, and a 9’5” Doug Haut reproduction model.
Surfing Heritage & Culture Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting surfing’s heritage for the appreciating and education of current and future generations. The Surfing Heritage & Culture Center is located in the nearby city of San Clemente.
“Paddle Hard Number 5” By Artist Derek McDonald
Paddle Hard No. 5 debuts as the newest life-size surfboard in a series built from recycled metal and other found objects, this longboard presents a new style on an old design. As with many of Derek’s art, it is given an industrial feel with polished refinement. The design was used on the original Paddle Hard No. 1 but taken to new level. The board was constructed using 475 recycled long spool bolts creating a realistic dimensioned longboard. Interior bolts accentuate the board with a flowing style as the board sits atop a 25” diamond-bit saw blade. The stringer and fin presents the collaboration with artist Chris Harsh who not only painted the incredible colors, but also clear coated the entire piece to give it that “wet” look. The fin is one solid piece of steel that was made to the actual shape of a real fin.
A self-taught artist, Derek McDonald was born in Orange County, California where he began to explore his artistic side at a very young age. He owns a collection of “napkin drawings” his mother saved for him, as he would draw for hours on coffee shop napkins when his family dined out. He also got plenty of drawing practice during school hours when his teacher was busy teaching. Derek was curious about all things mechanical. He would take apart anything he could get his hands on, even if it was in good working condition (a tradition that he still honors today).
In his freshman year of high school, 1982, Derek took metal shop. It was then that he was exposed to a whole new world which included welding; his artistic focus was found, and metal became his passion.
As a young man, Derek’s family was far from rich, so to make art, he turned to the open road (mostly the side of the road) collecting pieces of metal and other nonsense. He grew fascinated with the challenge of what could be made from his collection of junk. Nowadays, he has become a regular at a few scrap yards and visits weekly for new finds. That might be why his friends and family refer to him as “Sanford." And even though Derek’s work is mostly recycled, he is perfectly capable of creating with new material too. He started making small primitive sculptures for his family and friends in 1985. That evolved, and in 1989 he began selling his art locally.
In 1995 his long time love of water and metal sculpture led him to combining the two into a beautiful fountain that quickly rusted. At that point, he realized the only option was to learn to work with other media such as granite, marble and concrete. To date Derek has made more than a dozen fountains, from small tabletop versions to freestanding 7’ high water walls.
Pacific Artworks was formed in 1997 when Derek decided to dedicate more time to art and sculpture. Eventually with that decision came the overwhelming task of building a 900 square foot studio behind his house. After years of personal dedication and labor, not to mention supporting his wife, three kids, a dog and a day job (Derek has been a land surveyor since 1988), the studio was designed and completed within the span of five years (2003 – 2008). Every artist needs his creative space, and Derek finally has his.
As he looks to the future, Derek says, “My mind is always moving faster than my hands, so it seems as though I’m constantly a few projects behind. Trying to catch up has been the very thing that keeps me motivated and neurotic at the same time. I’m genuinely inspired by other artists, and their accomplishments push me to perfection…I’ll let you know when I get close.”
Works by Wyland
“Sea Turtle Realm” mixed media balsa wood surfboard
“Friendly Dolphin,” “Ocean Travelers” and “Companions of the Sea” bronze sculptures
“Great Whale Sunset” and “Green Flash” aluminum
Internationally renowned marine life artist Wyland is one of the most celebrate and recognized artists of our time. For more than four decades, he has captivated the world with his spectacular paintings, sculptures, photography and landmark Whaling Wall murals. With half a million collectors around the world, award-winning art galleries, and the ongoing efforts of his non-profit foundation in support of global water and ocean conservation, Wyland has done more than any other artist to raise awareness of the beauty of life on our blue planet. Artworks by Wyland are available for sale at the Wyland Gallery in Laguna Beach.
