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Mike Doyle Passes Away

Story by Laylan Connelly.

Mike Doyle, a regular on the Malibu surf scene during the ’50s.



Mike Doyle, a waterman known for his big-wave prowess — one of the original “hot doggers” — died in his sleep early Tuesday morning, April 30. He was 78.

Doyle, who had been battling ALS, was a champion, inventor, boardmaker — an icon in the sport of surfing. Born in 1941, he grew up in Lawndale and caught his first wave at the Manhattan Beach Pier at age 13. He would soon become a pivotal figure in the South Bay and Malibu surf culture.

He spent his later years as an artist in Mexico, at San Jose del Cabo, where he died.

“It is a beautiful day here in San Jose, the waves are perfect and we know Mike is in Heaven with a smile on his face, surfing an endless wave,” an announcement on the Doyle Surfboards Facebook page reads, noting he was with his wife, Annie, when he passed.

Doyle, who was inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in Hermosa Beach in 2013, noted then that his “biggest memory was winning the Hermosa Beach annual surf festival contest and winning the tandem event and getting married – all in the same day.”

Competitively, Doyle was among the world’s best in the ’50s and ’60s, earning numerous surf championships, including the Duke Kahanamoku title and the West Coast Surfboard Championship.

He’s also a member of the Surfers’ Hall of Fame and Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, inducted to both in 2003, and the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2009.

Doyle’s life as a surfer started in 1954, while he watched South Bay icons Dale Velzy, Bob Hogans and Greg Noll ride waves at the Manhattan Beach Pier, according to an article in the Daily Breeze. He worked as an apprentice to Velzy and Noll building balsa boards in 1959. He was also a Manhattan Beach lifeguard in 1960 and 1961.

According to the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center in San Clemente, Doyle famously sold Kathy Kohner, aka “Gidget,” her first surfboard in 1956 and then worked as a stunt double in “Gidget” in 1959.

Boogie board inventor Tom Morey remembers seeing Doyle as a regular on the Malibu surf scene during the ’50s.

“When I first met him, he was already an accomplished rider in the South Bay area,” Morey, who lives in San Clemente, said recently.

He recalled Doyle’s big smile under a floppy hat his mother made — a popular character with a big stature and unique style in the surf.

“If there’s a show, Doyle’s in it … he’s one of the original hot-doggers,” said Morey, referring to a surfer’s showboating style on the waves.

The two surfers had something in common – a passion for invention.

Doyle, while working in Encinitas, used the boogie board material for the first soft-top board ever made, in 1970, the same boards that countless beginners use in waves today.

He also helped to create surf wax and a single ski, the Monoski, the seed for what would become the modern-day snowboard.

“To sum up Doyle in some kind of words, here’s a really fabulous guy, a real icon and definitely a champion,” Morey said. “I don’t know how many surf contests he’s won, but quite a few. And how many giant waves he’s ridden, but a lot. And how many innovations he’s had in the surfing world … revolutionizing, with his pals, the soft board is his deal and surf wax is a big deal.”

Doyle wasn’t in it for the riches, and in his book Morning Glass wrote about how people over the years would say “how rich I would be if only I’d had the good sense to invest in this or that project.”

“But I don’t look at it that way. Most people have to choose between money and freedom, and I made my choice a long time ago,” he wrote in an excerpt of the book published in the San Diego Reader.

He wrote that his heart still leaped when he saw a car full of surfers going down the highway with a rack of surfboards.



“Probably no man alive has gone on more surf adventures than I have, yet I still haven’t had enough,” wrote Doyle, who moved to Mexico in the ’80s to be an artist and to run a surf school. “If the conditions are right, I’ll walk away from anything to spend a day in the water with my friends.”

The surf is only good at certain times, and if you’re a serious surfer, you’ve designed your life around it, he noted.

“You have to make the time to be there when the surf is good.”

April Surf Spot Photos Recap

Here's our monthly recap of links to all the Surf Spot Photo Galleries and Videos we have for the entire month of April. Unfortunately, it's been another slow month. Because of the lack of waves , there are only 2 surf photo galleries, both are from California Mermaid Photography.



Santa Monica

Wednesday 4-17-2019 Gallery Photo


Venice

Wednesday 4-17-2019 Gallery Photo



Cocktails & Conversation with World Champion Keala Kennelly



Big Wave Badass and World Champion, Keala Kennelly, is coming to the Malibu this weekend! Come hear her tales from the tour... from this year's massive Jaws contest, thick lips at Teahupoo, filming Blue Crush, DJing, and everything in between... Keala has some stories to tell!⁣⠀ ⁣⠀

Sunday, May 5th 4-6pm at Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost in Malibu.

Tickets are $20

Space is limited, reserve your spot early!

BUY TICKETS HERE

THIS WAY Film Premiere



'THIS WAY' One skateboarder. Two surfers. One 1994 stretch limo. 120 cans of PBR. One long road down the east coast of the US. 8 days of good times

Featuring Nora Vasconcellos, Laura Enever and Jaleesa Vincent

The film will premiere on My 8th at 1700 Naud Gallery in Chinatown. A night presented by Patti People & Pabst Blue Ribbon. FREE show with free drinks & music.

MUST RSVP rsvp@pattipeople.com limited entry, come early!

Thunderstorms Tomorrow.

The National Weather Service issued a thunderstorm warning for our area.



Here is the storm total rainfall graphic for this afternoon through Monday evening, as an upper closed low crosses the area with showers and thunderstorm chances.

Stolen Boards Alert!

Malibu's Francesca Seely just got two of her surfboards stolen from her house. Keep an eye out for them. Any info on them contact her via Instagram: @franksterseely

A Walk On Water - Malibu


Last Sunday was A Walk On Water's Surf Therapy Event in Malibu. Check out this video recap and photos shot by Alessandro Masciotti.











LAPD Runs Over Sunbather At Venice Beach


A woman was sunbathing on the sand at Venice Beach Sunday when she was accidentally run over by a Los Angeles Police Department patrol cruiser.

Los Angeles Fire Department reported the incident occurred at about 2:10 p.m. near 1000 Ocean Front Walk, just off of the boardwalk.

According to reports, police in the vehicle were patrolling the sandy part of the beach and turned their vehicle when they hit someone.

They exited the vehicle and found a 25 to 30-year-old-woman under the SUV cruiser.

Medical personnel on the beach ran to the scene and was able to give first aid before paramedics arrived. The woman was transported to a hospital where she is in stable condition. Police say preliminary reports indicate that the woman has no broken bones or significant internal injuries.

Life Rolls On Poker Tournament


The 9th Annual Life Rolls On Charity Poker Tourney & Casino Lounge is Sunday, May 19 at The Rose Room in Venice Beach. Whether you're a novice or a pro poker player, come on out and raise money for people with disabilities. If poker just isn't your game, you can hang in the Casino Lounge, with a DJ, raffle, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Fun for all!

Click Here to Buy Tickets

Drunk Driver wrecks Into Van Store


A reportedly drunk driver rammed into the Vans store on Washington in Culver City around 2am. The driver fled the scene before the Fire Department arrived. No injuries were reported.

Venice | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters To Skateboarding



Back in the 1980's the skaters of Venice Beach, California had to make due with what they had: an old abandoned pavilion on the boardwalk and a few scraps of wood. What they did with those limited resources helped change skateboarding forever.

Randy Nauert Paddle Out

A paddle out held on Tuesday … at Surfrider Beach .. for Randy Nauert … a Malibu original. Nauert was never as famous as Dick Dale … but he followed a similar career ark. The teenaged surfer from the Palos Verdes Peninsula started making music in the surf wave of the early 1960s. His group was called The Challengers. Originally known as The Bel-Airs, they were one of the earliest “surf bands,” initially playing school dances and small clubs around Hermosa Beach. Words from 991KBU
Photos from Sandy Sandbakken


A paddle out held on Tuesday , April 16th … at Surfrider Beach .. for Randy Nauert … a Malibu original. Nauert was never as famous as Dick Dale … but he followed a similar career ark.

The teenaged surfer from the Palos Verdes Peninsula started making music in the surf wave of the early 1960s.

His group was called The Challengers.

Originally known as The Bel-Airs, they were one of the earliest “surf bands,” initially playing school dances and small clubs around Hermosa Beach.

In January 1963 they released “Surfbeat” …. it became a massive hit and helped put the surf rock genre on the map.

Nauert moved to Malibu … his T V show Wave Watch was a staple on malibu public access television for 104 episodes.

Nauert lived in Encinal Canyon … he was a familiar sight in his Arson Watch van around Malibu.

His compound burned in the Woolsey Fire … he suffered a heart attack while clearing land two months after the fire.

At the paddle out … his longtime friend and TV show associate Peter Townsend said it was the fire.

“I would think that those fires had an effect on Randy. Because t was his nature to help everybody. And every time you would see a photo on Facebook, he loved his Facebook, there would see a photo of him helping somebody. You know Randy was in his 70s now. And he was up there clearing properties, and friggin’ treating them as if he was a teenager. And I’m sure that didn’t help him when he finally has a heart attack.”

Randy Nauert was eulogized by his longtime friend … John Mazza.

“He really was the spirit of Malibu.”



Randy's band still has their music on Amazon:

Inkwell Headed for National Designation

A stretch of Santa Monica Beach that was once a gathering place for black Angelenos could find a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. That's the goal of black heritage activists who are gearing up for their next step in the drive to designate the 55-acre site near the end of Pico Boulevard once derogatorily known as “The Inkwell.” By Jorge Casuso
From left: Grace Williams, Albert Williams, Mary Mingleton, Willie Williams (no relation) in the segregated section of Santa Monica beach known as the Ink Well ca. 1926 (Shades of L.A. Collection, Los Angeles Public Library)


A stretch of Santa Monica Beach that was once a gathering place for black Angelenos could find a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

That's the goal of black heritage activists who are gearing up for their next step in the drive to designate the 55-acre site near the end of Pico Boulevard once derogatorily known as “The Inkwell.”

On May 8, California’s State Historical Resources Commission will review the nomination at its quarterly meeting in Palm Springs, activists said.

The Bay Street Beach Historic District, according to a draft of the National Register application, is "a rare example of an African American seaside recreation and leisure site as well as a community cultural focusing point."

Alison R. Jefferson, a prominent black historian who is co-sponsoring the application, said the designation makes "the history of the African American experience in the region more visible."

She is urging supporters to help by writing letters backing the nomination that are due on Tuesday, April 23. For instructions click here .

The designation -- which "aligns with the goals" of the California Coastal Commission’s landmark environmental justice policy adopted in March -- provides "a little more symbolic equity and social justice for all," Jefferson said,

The nomination's co-sponsor, Sea of Clouds, a nonprofit that focuses on preserving coastal places, says "The Inkwell" represents a part of the Jim Crow era that should not be forgotten.

“As much as beach recreation and sport are indelible parts of California’s identity, so too must be its history of exclusion in these public spaces," said Michael Blum, the organization's executive director.

"A National Register listing will work in service of the personal stories, remembrances, and connections to the Bay Street beach area, as it sits within a changing city, coastline, and climate.”

The Bay Street Beach Historic District became an extension of Santa Monica's black community and a destination for blacks living in Los Angeles shortly after the turn of the 20th Century.

The "period of significance" begins in 1908 when the Phillips Chapel Colored Methodist Episcopal Church building was purchased from the Santa Monica School District and relocated to the corner of Fourth and Bay Streets, according to the application.

The church became "an anchor for local African American spiritual and community life," the application said.

Soon, the beach just four blocks away became a haven for black beachgoers, who "faced exclusion, harassment, even violence" in other coastal areas.

The period ends in 1965 with the passage of the federal Voting Rights Act (VRA), which along with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ended "an era of de jure discrimination and segregation," the application said.

If the Bay Street Beach Historic District makes it on to the National Register, it would join an estimated 8 percent of the 93,000 properties and 1.4 million individual resources that represent women and minorities

The designation would help to better represent "the breadth of the American story," Jefferson said.

The Real-Life Jeff Spicoli



The Malibu surfer who Sean Penn based his "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" character on has no idea he was the inspiration for Jeff Spicoli.

Santa Monica Pier 360 Registration Opens


Info on this year's Santa Monica Pier SUP event has just been announce:

The ultimate beach festival awaits! Kick off summer at the Santa Monica Pier 360 June 22-23.

Tracing its roots back to the 1930's when paddleboard races first caught a wave at the Santa Monica Pier, the Santa Monica Pier 360 Ocean Sports & Beach Festival offers epic competition through a variety of disciplines on sand and sea. The family-friendly day will provide memorable entertainment and competition, including: Short Course Paddle, Long Course Paddle, Elite Races, SUP / Paddleboard Knockout, Ocean Swim, Beach Volleyball, 3k Sand Run, Youth Sports and more!

On the pier deck there will be live music, entertainment, a beach history museum, the epic Beer & Spirits Garden and more!

Register and get all the details here: SM Pier 360 Event Page.


It's all not SUP though, up on the pier there's a pop-up surf museum, and for the skateboarders, there will be a mini-ramp set up again, along with surf/skate vendors like Bay Street Boards .

Waste To Waves Earth Day Foam Drive


The City of Malibu is holding a Waste to Waves polystyrene foam collection event. If you have waste polystyrene foam, aka “styrofoam”, this is the best way to get it recycled.

During the month before Earth Day, you can bring your foam to City Hall between 10am-2pm. Look for the Waste to Waves collection bin.

Only clean, white #6 polystyrene foam from packaging is acceptable. No food contaminated foam or construction foam can be recycled.

Last year, Waste to Waves rounded up a significant amount of foam from local residents. Some people even drove a good distance because they were so stoked to have their waste foam turned into new surfboards.

Visit Waste to Waves for more details.

Win A Day At The Surf Ranch

Outerknown is giving you the chance to live every surfer’s dream by riding the perfect wave at Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch in the best surf trunks with your closest friend.


WHAT DO YOU WIN?

Full day experience at Surf Ranch on June 18th, 2019 with the Outerknown crew*
Two winners chosen (one male, one female), each winner brings a friend
All expenses paid (flight, hotel and meals at the ranch)
Free Outerknown gear and a few pairs of Kelly's favorite APEX trunks
Free Firewire surfboard for each winner

*See terms and conditions for further details about what is included.

At Outerknown, we're making every decision with the highest regard for the hands that build our clothes and the world we call home. From seeds to suppliers to circular design, our mission is to protect natural resources, empower the people crafting our clothes, and inspire change within the industry and beyond. We believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice style for sustainability - the two should be synonymous.

Enter to Win HERE!

Santa Monica - Wednesday 4-17-2019


Check out these new surf shots from Santa Monica. These photos were taken by California Mermaid Photography.




You can find some more photos from this day on :

California Mermaid Photography Facebook Page


If you were out there, there probably is some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!


Venice - Wednesday 4-17-2019


Check out these new surf shots from Venice. These photos were taken by California Mermaid Photography.



You can find some more photos from this day on :

California Mermaid Photography Facebook Page


If you were out there, there probably is some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!


LRO They Will Surf Again Registration


Registration is now open We are so excited to get the “They Will Surf Again” season started Saturday June 1, in Santa Monica. Please come join us for this very inspiring event. Bring your family and friends to come cheer on people with various disabilities as they surf the waves.

Life Rolls On Athete and Volunteer Sign Up

Surfer Found Dead At Topanga UPDATE

Yo Venice got the update on the Surfer Found Dead At Topanga story from last December.

According to the autopsy report by the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner , while the cause of death was drowning, a cardiac event precipitated the pulmonary edema. Specifically, Damon Michael Geller had three major arteries of his heart that were blocked, 50, 75 and 80 percent respectively
Surfer Damon Michael Geller


Yo Venice got the update on the Surfer Found Dead At Topanga story from last December.

According to the autopsy report by the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner , while the cause of death was drowning, a cardiac event precipitated the pulmonary edema. Specifically, Damon Michael Geller had three major arteries of his heart that were blocked, 50, 75 and 80 percent respectively.

You can read the full story here: Death of Local Surfer Wake-Up Call - Yo Venice