Mike Downey “2021 Local Hero”
Still ripping at his favorite HB Pier Northside bowl


PHOTO: Courtesy Mike Downey. Downey started out ripping on the legendary Huntington surfboard brand Plastic Fantastic.
Longtime Huntington Beach figure Mike Downey is now forever enshrined on Main Street. Downey’s commitment to the local surf community is exemplified through the many facets of his lifelong love of surfing. From coaching local grommets to serving on the board of directors for the Professional Longboard Association, his HB roots run deep. Downey graduated Huntington Beach High School in 1975 and worked at Plastic Fantastic alongside Rockin’ Fig during the ’70s. Whether in the competitor’s jersey or in the judging tower, he’s been involved with surf contests of all shapes and sizes for decades, putting in time with the HB High surf team as well as the Pro Longboard Tour. He now works as an Exercise Kinesiology Specialist.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Bobby Zee Images. Downey has been behind the mic and on the judging panel of surf contests for over 40 years, seen here with Walk of Famer Rockin’ Fig, R.I.P.



PHOTO: Courtesy Bobby Zee. Mike ripping it off the top at his favorite HB Pier Northside bowl.


PHOTO: Courtesy Ron Lyon. John Etheridge, Mike Downey and PT.