Rolling Forward Together
The Origins of the Silver Skater Awards
June 10, 2026
“My involvement with the California Surf Museum began long before I joined its Board of Directors. For many years, I attended museum events and supported its efforts to preserve and celebrate California's rich surfing heritage. About five or six years ago, I was honored when Diane Takayama, wife of the late Donald Takayama, asked me to speak on Donald's behalf at the Museum's annual Gala and Silver Surfer Awards. Donald, who was named one of the 25 most influential surfers of all time by Surfer Magazine, and I were partners in the 1970s, manufacturing surfboards under the label Surfing's New Image in Solana Beach.
A few years later, another legendary figure in surfing, Bing Copeland, asked me to introduce him when he received his Silver Surfer Award at the Museum's Gala. Those experiences strengthened my connection to the California Surf Museum and its mission.
About three years ago, Larry Balma suggested to Executive Director Jim Kempton that I be considered for the Museum's Board of Directors. I wasn't seeking a board position, but after attending several meetings and learning more about the organization, I was honored to be elected to the Board.
Shortly after joining, I shared an idea with Jim Kempton that had been on my mind for years: creating an event dedicated to recognizing influential skateboarders whose contributions to the sport deserved greater recognition. While the Skateboarding Hall of Fame honors many legends, there are numerous pioneers, innovators, and industry leaders who have made lasting contributions to skateboarding and have not yet been formally recognized.
I also felt there was a need for more events that celebrate skateboarding's rich history down in San Diego and the people who helped shape it. Skateboarding and surfing have long shared deep cultural roots, and the California Surf Museum provided the perfect platform to honor those connections.
From that vision, the Silver Skater Awards were born. Today, the event recognizes influential figures whose contributions have helped define skateboarding culture, inspire future generations, and preserve the history of the sport. What began as a simple idea has grown into a meaningful annual celebration of skateboarding's pioneers and innovators.”
-Brian Logan
Silver Skater Awards Board Members:
Larry and Louise Balma, Tasha Busick, Ed Economy, Todd Huber, Jim Kempton, John Lamb, Michael Lewis, Brian Logan, Angela Madrid, Micaela Ramirez, Billy Ruff, Dennis Shufeldt, and Tara Torburn, Jeff Warner
All About the Founder:
Brian Logan
Brian Logan is a pioneering figure in the history of skateboarding and a member of what became known as the "First Family of Skateboarding." Raised in Hermosa Beach during the 1950s and 1960s, Brian was among the earliest skateboarders, building homemade boards and co-founding the South Bay Skateboard Club in 1961, one of the first organized skateboard clubs in the country.
Alongside his younger brother, skateboarding legend Bruce Logan, Brian helped shape the sport during its formative years. The brothers competed against top teams of the era, earned sponsorship from Bing Surfboards, and were featured on the popular Southern California television program Surf's Up. Brian's siblings, Brad and Robin Logan, also became accomplished skateboarders, with Robin recognized as the first female skateboarder to master the original kickflip.
In 1973, Brian and Bruce founded Logan Earth Ski in Encinitas, California. Starting with a modest $3,000 investment, the company became one of the most influential skateboard manufacturers of the 1970s, helping launch the careers of future legends including Tony Alva, Jay Adams, Bob Biniak, Eric Dressen, and others. Logan Earth Ski grew into one of skateboarding's most iconic brands and has produced more Skateboarding Hall of Fame inductees than almost any company in the sport's history.
Today, Brian remains active in preserving surfing and skateboarding heritage. He serves on the Board of Directors of the California Surf Museum, supports the annual Silver Surfer and Silver Skater Awards, and continues to celebrate the legacy of the Logan family, whose contributions helped shape modern skateboarding.