2026 Recipient: Andy Neumann

How long have you been surfing Rincon?

I surfed Rincon for the first time in 1957, and I feel so fortunate to have surfed it for nearly 69 years.

Tell us about the first time you surfed Rincon.

I surfed Rincon for the first time in 1957 when Fred Hepp pushed me into waves on his balsa wood Velzy-Jacobs. He ran a concession on the west side of Stearns Wharf renting out “kook boxes”—hollow plywood paddle boards with square rails and no fins. Since he was dating my older sister, Marijke, he would let me borrow one. I would ride my bike down there, paddle across the harbor, and surf the sandbar. They were hard to control, but so fun on the little waves.

Describe your relationship with Rincon.

Rincon is one of the seven wonders of the surfing world—far and away my favorite surf spot. It has many moods, and the conditions are always changing. Even when it’s knee-high, it can be a challenge to keep your board in trim and see how far you can ride.

Depending on swell, tide, wind, and crowd, I surf the Cove, River Mouth, or Indicator. I usually bring three boards of different lengths and let the conditions decide. In 1993, I moved my architecture office to Carpinteria, and being close to Rincon meant dawn patrols, lunch hours, and evening glass-offs were within easy reach.

Who are your biggest influences?

Over the years I’ve looked up to and tried to emulate surfers like Renny Yater, Lance Carson, Skip Frye, Donald Takayama, Jeff Hackman, Billy Hamilton, Tommy Curren, Conner and Parker Coffin, and Stephanie Gilmore. I’ve also made lifelong surf buddies with Bob Dornin, Rym Partridge, and Craig Angell.

Renny Yater is the Godfather of our Santa Barbara surfing community. George Greenough is one of the most influential surfboard designers of all time. Al Merrick created Channel Islands Surfboards, and today his son Britt continues to take it to new heights.

You are 79 years old, and despite a few recent injuries and age-related issues are in amazing health. What are your secrets for longevity and staying stoked?

Surfing has kept me in good shape, but if I want to keep at it, I know I need to go to the gym, swim, and sign up for Tai Chi and yoga classes. Diet is important too—fresh, wholesome foods.

Being involved with friends is critical. Our surfing community has been very supportive and just plain fun. No matter how poor the conditions, I have never regretted paddling out.

Describe in your own words the evolution of surfing from when you started till now.

Born in 1946, I was part of the early explosion of surfing in the sixties. I started on heavy balsa wood boards and have witnessed the evolution from longboards to shortboards, thrusters, and so many refinements. I’m grateful to have been on this evolutionary journey—though sometimes I wish I could’ve had a hot little CI under my arm when I was twelve!

Do you feel there are parallels between surfing and your career occupation as an architect?

I’ve been blessed with a creative career in architecture and my passion for surfing. Both require patience, flow, problem-solving, and an appreciation for form and function. Each informs the other.

Where has been the favorite place you have ever traveled? Where, when, and what made that special?

Some of my favorite memories are road trips surfing Santa Cruz with my friend Dave Brown in his green ’56 Chevy, singing along to “Gloria” at the top of our lungs, and surfing without wetsuits. Those trips captured the pure joy and adventure of surfing.

How long have you been surfing the Rincon Classic?

I participated in one of the earliest contests in Santa Barbara in 1964 and have surfed in many Rincon Classics over the years. Jeff White and Roger Nance organized the first official Rincon Classic in 1979, and I’ve been grateful to participate many times since.

What makes this community special for you?

Rincon has a special sense of community. I recognize many faces in the lineup and cherish being surrounded by people younger than myself—their enthusiasm is contagious. I especially appreciate when they back off waves and encourage me to go.

Localism exists, but I try to welcome newcomers. The Rincon Classic is one of the few times our community truly comes together to celebrate.

What is “Stoke” or “Being Stoked” to you?

Stoke is joy, positivity, and passion. It’s the happiness that radiates from people like Chris Brown—“Smile like Brownie!” That kind of stoke is contagious and lifts everyone around you.

Image by Kew

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

Longevity—so I can keep surfing, stay connected to the community, and continue experiencing the joy that surfing brings.

What have been some of your greatest accomplishments in surfing or being involved in surfing?

I’ve competed in contests up and down the California coast, Mexico, Hawaii, Peru, and England. I won a Legends division at La Conchita and have been honored to surf alongside multiple generations. Being recognized with the Chris Brown Eternal Stoke Award is incredibly meaningful to me.

Who have been your biggest inspirations and why?

Peter Cole deeply inspired me with his belief in a “triple life”—family first, career second, and surfing purely for joy. I’ve been blessed with all three. I also draw inspiration from our past, present, and future generations of surfers who keep the spirit alive.

What is surfing to you?

Surfing has been a blessing. No matter how small or mediocre the waves, I always feel the surge of endorphins afterward. It has been a great source of joy, health, and gratitude in my life.

Words to live by?

“There is no need for temples; no need for complicated holy books. The true philosophy is kindness.”
—Dalai Lama

Kindness is easy, doesn’t take much effort, and is its own reward.