FACES OF THE WAVES
FACES OF THE WAVES
HUNTINGTON BEACH CALIFORNIA
FACES OF THE WAVES
From professional athletes to first-time groms, Gayle’s portraits honor the interwoven generations who carry forward the tradition of surfing and the power of community in the great city of Huntington Beach. Her stunning exhibit is now a permanent installation at Pacific City (2nd floor next to Bluegold restaurant). Each portrait is printed on metal reflecting the community’s unity. Faces of the Waves champions surfing as more than a sport, it’s a way of life built on connection. Head over to @facesofthewaves on Instagram to learn about each surfer’s journey of falling in love with the waves and the people who surf them.
The FACES OF THE WAVES project celebrates the strength and unity of the Huntington Beach surf community both locally and globally. Sparked during the 2021 Olympics when surfing debuted as an official sport, Gayle MacAllister traveled from Austin Texas to her hometown of Huntington Beach to capture the spirit of surfers in timeless B&W portraits.
Gayle is the daughter of Don MacAllister, longtime civic leader and former mayor of Huntington Beach, and co-founder (with “PT” Peter Townend) of the Surfing Walk of Fame and pioneer of the Huntington Beach International Surf Museum. This photographic project is deeply personal for Gayle as it serves as a tribute to her parents’ having served over 50 years of volunteer hours to build the legacy of Huntington Beach around the world. FACES OF THE WAVES is rooted in honoring HB, its people, and the generations who have built its identity as Surf City USA.
A permanent installation is now hanging at Pacific City, embodying some of the locals who live in Huntington Beach.
FACES OF THE WAVES
Power of Community
“I must say Faces of the Waves is truly is a wonderful project and I love everything it emulates and says about our community. We need community love more then anything right now with the world in its current state! We need that blanket of sadness removed a little, giving us the ability to see the sunshine again, and I think you are doing much more then simply snapping a few beautiful pictures for all the lovely souls but really touching our hearts and reminding us of the good we do have. Hope to see you soon around the pier!!Thanks for the bliss you bring!”
- KAYLA M. l Huntington Beach Surfer