The Class of 1996 was the first group of surfers inducted into, "Greg Noll's East Coast Surf Legends Hall of Fame". Greg Noll, known as a big wave rider and pioneer surfboard builder from the 50's and 60's, came up with the idea of a Hall of Fame to honor the sport's East Coast pioneers, competitors and contributors to the lifestyle. Along with the help of Cecil Lear, Dick Catri, Pete Smith and Bill Yerkes, the first induction was held at the Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida in January of 1996.