Meet Chill Phil: Surf Guitar Legend & Leisure Party’s Animated Ambassador

Philip Walsh, better known as “Phil,” was a passionate surfer and a gifted guitarist whose life embodied the laid-back, creative spirit that Leisure Party celebrates. Known for his soulful playing and infectious love for music, Phil’s journey was shaped by the sounds of Jimi Hendrix, whose influence could be heard in his unique blend of surf and rock music.

Phil’s signature gear—a Fender Stratocastor or Danelectro guitar and a Fender Super Reverb amp—delivered the lush, reverb-soaked tones that became his hallmark. These cherished pieces are still played today in the Leisure Party office, keeping his musical spirit alive.

A Southern California native, Phil was drawn to the waves of Hawaii and Santa Barbara before settling in Long Beach, where his love for music took root. In 1980, he founded Laguna Hills Music, a beloved store dedicated to renting instruments to students in Orange County’s music programs. Phil’s commitment to fostering young talent and his warm, welcoming personality made him a fixture in the local music scene.

Phil’s deep appreciation for surf music—a genre that grew from the beaches of Southern California in the early 1960s—was matched by his ability to channel Hendrix's fiery passion. His legacy lives on through Chill Phil, an animated character inspired by his love for surf guitar and the ocean.

Chill Phil represents everything Phil stood for: passion, creativity, and an endless zest for life. Through his adventures, he carries on the aloha spirit and celebrates the joy of making music, riding waves, and embracing every moment.