To continue the celebration of the 20th anniversary of M+B we’re excited to celebrate the legacy of one of surfing’s most iconic documentarians, LeRoy Grannis. Known for his vivid images of California and Hawaiian surf culture in the 1960s and ‘70s, Grannis captured a golden era in American life—sun-drenched beaches, legendary surfers, and the free-spirited optimism of a generation in motion.
Originally a hobbyist, Grannis turned to photography in earnest during a time of radical transformation in both surfing and American culture. His lens chronicled the rise of figures like Miki Dora and Phil Edwards, while also offering sweeping portraits of the coastal landscapes and the tightly-knit communities that defined the era. From the innovation of surf photography in the water to his now-iconic images of VW vans, bonfires, and boardwalk camaraderie, Grannis created a visual time capsule of a culture rooted in freedom, nature, and exploration.
His photographs continue to resonate—not only for their historical significance but for the enduring sense of joy, curiosity, and connection they evoke. Grannis didn’t just document a movement; he revealed a way of life, one wave at a time.
