Commencing in the 1930’s, Dana Point and surrounds increasingly became populated by persons, originally known as “Watermen,” defined as those who were “comfortable in a wide variety of ocean conditions and had a broad store of oceanic knowledge; more specifically applied to those who are accomplished at a particular set of surfing-related activities, including diving, swimming, sailing, bodysurfing, fishing, spearfishing, surf canoeing, and oceangoing rescue work.” This Oceanic Heritage Outline of the Surfing and Oceanic Heritage Projects of the Dana Point Historical Society commemorates these Watermen, and now Waterwomen, who inhabited, and still inhabit, Dana Point.
You can view the document here: https://danapointhistorical.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Surf-PADDLE-Sail-03.11.2023.pdf
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