Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve

Spring Fling – Doheny Wood at Dana Point

Doheny Wood is one of the most popular and well attended Woodie meets of the spring season. Presented by the largest Woodie organization in the world, the Southern California Woodie Club, Doheny State Beach in Dana Point comes alive with wood wagons of all makes and models. The event is sanctioned by the National Woodie Club (NWC).

Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve

Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve

Dana Point is a world-renowned surf town known far and wide as “Killer Dana.” Just like the woodies displayed every last Saturday in April at the adjacent Doheny State Beach, it celebrates surfing’s past.

Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve

Once one of the mightiest surfing spots on the west coast, its prized waves were a result of the ocean current hooking around the headlands sticking out from the Dana Point coast. The headlands acted like a shot of nitrous, increasing both the size and frequency of wave action.

Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve

Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel CurveIn the 1960s it was chosen as the site for a much-needed harbor, with the resultant jetty killing the historic surf site, but not its spirit.Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve


Today Doheny Beach sees much activity from a giant Blues Festival to the yearly gathering of the surfer’s choice for hauling bodies and boards to catch some wave action, called Wavecrest.

Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel CurveDoheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve

In some ways it’s a miracle any woodies exist, with their constant exposure to the elements, frequent maintenance the wooden bodies required, and rapid deterioration once enlisted into surf duty. Today they are the center of attention regardless of where they are or what event they’re attending.

Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve

Check out the variety of vehicles that received the wooden touch, from little compacts like Crosley’s and Morris’, to one-ton trucks and elegant convertibles.

Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve

Used for both utility and to display elegance and wealth, their hand-built bodies represent the best of automotive craftsmanship.

Doheny Wood, Woodie Show, Fuel Curve

It was a fun day connecting with old friends, capturing the color, and casual nature of Doheny Wood.

Doheny Wood Photo Extra!

Story and photos by Thom Taylor