The Spirit of Imperial Beach Statue

I love this statue at the end of Palm Ave. in Imperial Beach. Many years ago, I lived right down the alley, before the area got fixed up. I would have loved this 18-​foot high surfer being my arty neighbor, when I was on the beach by the Surf Camp. The Spirit is especially dramatic late in the early evening when it is back lit by the setting sun, making for a beautiful silhouette.
The Spirit of Imperial Beach statue honors Imperial Beach’s surf culture and was installed in 2008.
Funding for the $ 150,000 sculpture came from the San Diego Port District’s public art program.
The sculpture shows a 7-​foot surfer toting a long board and also includes two children building a sand castle. This is, of course, a homage to the city’s popular Sand Castle Days event each summer.
A. Wasil, a resident of Coronado who taught art at San Diego State University and San Diego City College was the artist who created the cast bronze.
I give «The Spirit of Imperial Beach» statue 5 Unilocal STARS for it’s design and spirit meant to honor the birthplace of surfing and the lifeguards who protect and serve.