DESCRIPTION: 54-inch high by 36-inch wide by 9-foot long cast bronze statue and sculpture of big wave surfing pioneer Mickey Muñoz depicted on his surfboard in his "quasimoto" surfing stance, mounted on a tapered 4-foot high concrete plinth This statue of Mickey Muñoz depicts the famous surfer, nicknamed "The Mongoose," in his iconic stance, "quasimoto," requiring a full forward bend, hunched head and shoulders, and outstretched arms. He is known for his unconventional, humorous, and highly difficult surfing stances that he gave such names as the "misterioso" and the "el telephono." Muñoz began surfing at age 10 and was among the first surfers to ride Waimea Bay in Hawaii in 1957. He later became known for shaping surfboards, competing professionally and appearing in surf films and early issues of SURFER Magazine. His surfing ability coupled with his short stature landed him a role as the surfing stunt double for Sandra Dee in the 1959 film Gidget, where he was dressed in a blond wig and 2-piece bathing suit (Surfing Walk of Fame.com). The statue was unveiled May 14, 2026 at Watermen's Plaza, Dana Point, where Muñoz, 88, was honored.
LOCATION: Watermen's Plaza, 15 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, California, USA