Tony Stearns: A Kind Heart in Malibu

By Bob Perkins DDS

If someone asked me who, in Malibu, I could most rely on if I needed help, I don’t think I could come up with a more fitting answer than Tony Stearns.

Tony has been in Malibu for a long time and he is a surf and paddleboard instructor in town. I always tell other guys to keep their shirts on if Tony has his off. Sometimes it’s just good to “know when to fold’em” if you know what I mean. Tony is built like a Roman statue, but he is as humble and as harmless as they come.

When you get past the muscle you soon realize that Tony is 100 percent sincere. I have total trust in Tony’s integrity. Tony is honest and trustworthy even when no one is looking. That says a lot to me….how many people can you say that about?

Two favorite Tony Stearns stories:

I was hit in the head by a surfboard at County Line about three years ago. I punctured my eardrum and was knocked almost unconscious. Tony helped me out of the water and stayed with me until I got to my senses. It may not sound like much but it was noteworthy to me for the way he handled himself and showed concern.

Favorite Tony story:

Tony had his boat legally moored in the water near Corral Canyon This means that he was the required distance away from shore. Tony later received a complaint from a lady whose house was in front of where Tony had his boat anchored. Ninety-nine guys out of 100 (make that 100 out of 100) would have said something like this: “Miss, I’m sorry you are not happy but the location of my small boat fully complies with coastal regulations, sorry.”Tony, however, is the one guy out of 100 who would spend “two hours” going out to his boat, retrieving the anchors (losing one that he had to replace) and relocating his boat further up the coast in order to satisfy the lady who owned a beachfront home.

I was there and my jaw dropped. He even did it with a smile…..I like to think I am pretty accommodating but I confess that I don’t think I would have been considerate enough to move my boat if it was legally anchored. This is how Tony is.

I have seen him give lessons. He is totally invested in his clients. I know that is a cliché thing to say but Tony brings his heart with him.

I’m not sure if there is a finer man in Malibu. I just feel good when I am around Tony. He has handled some of life’s challenges with amazing class! Thanks Tony for being such a great and respectable person.

See you in the surf.