The Most Notorious Surf Gangs
Surfing's history isn't all Aloha, sunny beaches, a thrilling big wave ride, and the evolution of surfboard shapes... it has a dark side. Surf gangs are born out of localism and typically form when a surf spot becomes crowded. Their common goals involve protecting surf breaks from non-locals and demanding respect in the line-ups. The first gangs date back to Southern California in the 1960s. Tensions between groups of locals and surfers traveling up and down the coast to surf other breaks led to turf wars and intimidation tactics. Today, as surfing rises in popularity, there has been a surprising lull in surf gang activity. Here is a look at some of the most notorious surf gangs in history.
Da Hui, aka The Black Shorts, aka Hui O He’e Nalu – North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
Da Hui was founded in 1975 by North Shore locals; Eddie Rothman, Clyde Aikau, Bryan Amona, and Kawika Stant Sr. Da Hui translates to "the clan" or "club" in Hawaiian. The group first came together in response to the influx of non-native surfers to the North Shore and the rise of corporate businesses staking claim over waves.
Da Hui members, identified by their black shorts, sought to protect the breaks along the seven-mile miracle and keep the North Shore for the locals. Some of their most infamous actions involved beating up Australian and South African surfers who weren’t respecting their surf customs, featured in the film Bustin Down the Door. Their presence is still strong in the community, and there has even been a start of the Da Hui clothing company.
Today, they are nearly 400 members strong, and some of the biggest names in the professional surf scene belong to this club. They host community-focused events like an annual Easter egg hunt, paddle race, and the prestigious Da Hui Back Door Shootout
Bra Boys – Maroubra, Australia
The Bra Boys, Founded in the 1990s, was one of the most notorious and violent surf gangs in the world. The group brought together boys from impoverished backgrounds who found an escape in the ocean and a love for surfing. The documentary, ‘Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water,’ focuses on the Abberton brothers, the gang’s history, growing up in the group, and the dark sides of life in the gang. Their home break was the Syndey Reef break, Ours (a.k.a Cape Fear), and they were known for harsh localism in the area. Some gang members like Koby Abberton became famous for their success in big wave surfing.
Many have chest tattoos reading, “my brother’s keeper” and the zip code of Maroubra, “2035.” The group is connected to crimes including assault, vandalism, rape, and even murder. In 2002, 160 Bra Boys were involved in a fight that resulted in the injury of 44 police officers. Despite their violent tendencies, in 2005, they also performed a peaceful protest against putting parking meters on local beaches.
Wolfpak – Kauai, Hawaii
Founded in 2001, Wolfpak took over instilling respect, safety, and order to the North Shore of Oahu, and most famously, Banzai Pipeline, when Da Hui started to keep a low profile. The wave had become crowded, unsafe, and there was a growing lack of respect towards local people and customs. They became the driving force of hierarchy in the lineup and were known to enforce their authority through verbal and physical violence as well as vandalism.
With the mission to preserve surf culture at Pipeline, they decided who surfed and who didn't surf based on who was good enough to paddle out. The group didn't identify as a gang, more a family that sticks together, and its members included the Iron brothers, Kala Alexander, Dustin Barca, Barden Dias, and Kai Garcia.
The Lunada Bay Boys – Palos Verdes Estates, California
The Bay Boys, founded in the 1960s, are one of the oldest surf gangs. Their origins came from a family-style comradery with a shared love for surf and the community at Lunada Bay. As the years went on, the group evolved and became known for extreme and aggressive localism over the surf break. Many lawsuits have been filed against the group accounts of vandalism, verbal harassment, and rock-throwing.
The Palos Verdes Estates Police Department has been criticized for turning a blind eye on many accounts of harassment and accused of not taking action to put an end to the Bay Boys' actions. Many members within the department are said to have close relationships with members of the gang.
More Notable Surf Gangs
These are other notable surf gangs who have been involved with surf turf wars: Silver Strand Locals, the Oxnard Shores Locals, the Pierpont Rats (Ventura, California), The Birdrock Bandits (La Jolla, California), The Westsiders (Santa Cruz, California), and the White Shorts (Mauritius, Island).
Does reading about surf gangs inspire you to hit the waves? Remember to check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for anytime, anywhere surf coaching.
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