Merrill, Linda (1945 – )

Stylish goofyfoot surfer from Southern California, and a world-title-winning tandem competitor. Merrill was born (1945) and raised in San Clemente, daughter of longtime California surfer and San Onofre Surf Club co-founder Benny Merrill, and began surfing at age 10. As a solo surfer, she finished runner-up in the 1961 West Coast Championships and was a finalist again in '62.

Merrill was noted for her smooth point-break-influenced style. "I love Trestles," Merrill said in 1963. At the time, T...