Bud Browne archives in Shell Beach woman's closet

Cultural Updates

Bud Browne archives in Shell Beach woman's closet

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 6 July, 2012 : - - Before most people even knew what surfing was, Bud Browne was out in the waves, filming the action and turning the surfers into stars. Browne, who would have turned 100 this month, is considered surfing’s first filmmaker. But exploring the world in search of surf left little time for marriage or children.

Since he passed away in San Luis Obispo four years ago, his entire collection of films, photos, letters and posters — a surf museum’s dream cache has rested with Anna Trent Moore, the keeper of the vault.

Browne grew up near Boston, but in 1932 he moved to California, where he attended USC and became a member of the swim team. A teacher for many years, he quit that career in his 40s to pursue his passion—making surf movies. Some of his earliest subjects were surfing lifeguards he got to know in Southern California, including Buzzy Trent, a former USC football player who loved surfing and diving.

When Trent and other surfers decided to chase the big waves in Hawaii, Browne tagged along. And, luckily, Browne was an adept swimmer, because filming in the water on big swells entailed serious poundings. Yet, because he was able to take a beating, his films portrayed up-close footage of big-wave surfing. And Buzzy Trent was one of his biggest stars.

While Browne seemed ageless — surf legend Gerry Lopez recalled seeing him take a terrifying wipeout on a 30-foot wave when Browne was in his 60s — time eventually did catch up to Browne, who lost his sight in his later years. Knowing he didn’t have much time left, Moore moved him to San Luis Obispo from Costa Mesa when he was 92 so she could help care for him.

In 2008, she helped set up a tribute to Browne at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. Four months later, Browne died in his sleep. His ashes were scattered at Pipeline, the famous surf spot in Hawaii.

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Source: San Luis Obispo  

Author: Patrick Pemberon

Tags: Bud Browne, Endless Simmer

Culture: Surfersvillage