Philip Hoffman

Background

Hoffman was born in Glendale, California.

Education

Hoffman graduated from Hollywood High School in 1948.

Career

Hoffman began surfing off San Onofre, California. In 1953 Hoffman was one of the first surfers to brave the outer reefs of the Oahu"s North Shore where he was a big wave surfing pioneer. Hoffman first worked as an abalone fisherman while he was not surfing.

Hoffman oversaw the company"s business that sold directly to retail stores.

He was also involved researching the production processes, and new designs. Hoffman Fabrics was integral in creating and manufacturing surf apparel from the late 1950s onward.

In the 1980s the aloha shirt worn by Tom Selleck in the television series Magnum, Philippine Islands was made from Hoffman fabric. lieutenant is now in the Smithsonian Institution.

Hoffman worked with surfboard designers such as Mickey Munoz, Hobie Alter and Bob Simmons to improve the design of surf boards.

Hoffman died at Mission Viejo, California from pulmonary fibrosis complications.

Achievements

• His brother"s daughter Joyce Hoffman was a champion surfer, and great-grandson Greyson Fletcher a professional skateboarder.

Views

Quotations: "When the surf was really big, he"d take off and go surfing,".