The 'True Joy' of Being, Having a Surfer Dad

Chances are if you're a surfer, you more than likely started surfing because your dad got you into it. I'm not saying that moms don't do that, I'm just saying, there's a better chance that it was your father who got you into your first wave.

Last month I acknowledged the Surf Moms, and the Surfer Moms.

However it's Father's Day, and this is about the dads. Like I was saying, all you surfers out there. Boys and girls, young men and women more than likely got the surf bug because of your pop. I did back in the days where there only "Single Fins" on boards. Before there was an Internet. Or YouTube, and certainly before there was anything closely resembling a cellphone.

Hell there were still nothing but rotary phones when my dad introduced me to surfing. And I know I am not alone. I know plenty of dads my age who got their kids into surfing. Plenty. Not sure how many surfers my age got into surfing because of their dads. My guess is probably not many.

Only because surfing wasn't really that popular here on the East Coast until the early to mid 60's. Most surfers back then got into surfing on their own. But those surfers from the 60's and 70's all started having kids and they created this Baby Surfer Boom. There are many surf dads out there who are nodding their
heads at that remark.

I guess we are to blame in part for the current crowds out there.

As Homer Simpson would say...DOH! But seriously, there are so many Surf Dads out there that it would be virtually impossible to name you all. And I would be a fool to even try. I will however mention a few of this year's NEW Surfer Dads.

Adam Coates has a new surfer girl, Mike Moran has a surfer girl, Phil Carey has a little surfer girl, Mike Paugh has a new daughter and finally Casey Lockwood has a new baby boy. On the cusp of being a new dad is Duffy McCarthy. He is in year two of Surf Dad World. Sorry Duff, you are no longer a first year Surfer Dad.

There are so many Surf dads out there. Buck Rowlee is a new dad to little TJ who joins big brother Kieran and his sweet sister angel Molly who watches over all of them.

I mean take your pick, they are everywhere. And every single one of them wants to surf with their kids. I remember when my daughter Gabby was born, I couldn't wait to teach her how to surf. Same with Max and Noelle.

Some of my fondest Fathers Days have been surfing with my kids. I've been a dad now for 22 years. I've surfed with them all and taken them out individually. It has been a true joy. Sharing waves with my children. And now that they are adults, it's even better. Now that they have a concept of what surfing truly is, it has become even more special.

I would love to be an old man in my 70's or 80's and still surf with my kids and maybe by then, a few grandchildren. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to experience that with three generations of our family.

(First photo) Summer 1954. My late father Gus standing a mere 200 yards from where I caught my very first wave 10 years after this photo was taken. And yes, he was right there when I did. Though he was not a surfer, he was very excited about me wanting to surf. He was there every step of the way in those early years. Driving me and my friends to the beach in the "Beach Wagon" and coming back to pick us up. Helping me get my first board and my first wetsuit.

He took the very FIRST Surf photos of me and my friends as well. So I not only owe my being able to surf to my dad, but the creative photography bug as well. Oh least I forget, my dad was also an artist and a musician. He was a WWII Veteran who served with the NAVY's "Fighting SeaBees" in the South Pacific.
So everything that I am today is really because of him.

I'm not going to lie, I still miss him.

He's been gone 12 years now, and I still think about him. I am lucky to see him in my occasional dreams though. And I look forward to those special visits. But I am forever thankful and grateful for having him for as long as I did. My late Father-in-law Jerry has been gone now for 7 years. He left us so suddenly, and we are still all missing him and the absolute joy he brought to all of our lives. We are lucky though to have Grandpa John still with us. He fills a void left by our late fathers, and we truly love John for the amazing person he is.

If you are one of us, those who have no father to call, or to visit, you are not alone. You need to dig deep into your soul and brush off those memories of your late father. Think about the wonderful times you had when he was still with you.

Look at the old photo albums. Or dig out the old VHS tapes and watch a few hours of endless hours of family gatherings. Or, if you are really old (like me), haul that old projector out and throw that old super 8mm reel on and watch a part of your life that will all come to life on the folding movie screen.

The clacking and clicking sound of that old projector brings me back to a time that is all but forgotten. And to see us all again, young, and laughing, and so full of life. Shielding our eyes from the bright lights, waving to the camera. There is no sound, but you can almost make out the words we are saying.

It all comes back, watching those old home movies. I feel tears welling in my eyes. But they are tears of fond memories.

(Second photo) My late father Gus, me, and my late uncle Angelo in 1997. I thought it was funny that we all had GIANT Glasses.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads. Past, present, and future!

Speaking of lost dads. A recent IM from a Facebook friend and devoted reader of this weekly blog a Mary Callahan, sent me a nice little offer. She wanted to give FREE of charge a used Fish to a young Grom who has no father to teach them how to surf. Mary lost her dad in a tragic accident last year and this is her first Father's Day without him. I know how difficult that can be. But Mary has offered this board as part of her own healing process of giving back to the surf community.

(Third photo) This is her late dad. He taught Mary how to swim and introduced her to surfing.

(Fourth photo) This is the board that she has offered. (The cat is not included). So if you are a YOUNG GROM who has NO father and would like to try surfing. Get in touch with me and I will help you get this board. This gift of love on Father's Day 2012.

Speaking of Father's Day Gifts...there is SURF! Grab the kids and your longboard and go hit it!

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances:

I'm not sure, but I am guessing that old KSM has a boatload of kids. I mean with the multiple wives he has had, he must have a few dozen little KSM's out there. Now what do you buy the Mastermind of 9-11 for Fathers Day? Does not make a difference because his hairy ass is still
in GITMO.

Poor Kalid Sheik Mohammed (KSM) the Mastermind behind 9/11 must
spend another fathers Day behind bars. No brunch for KSM no ties, no funny Father's Day cards...just alone in his cell combing the hair on his chest, neck and back. Dude what is up with all that freaking hair?

It reminds me of the classic old Ren and Stimpy cartoon "Shave Your Yak Day!" No wonder he let his hair and beard grow out since his capture. How the hell would you groom this mess? You'd need a damn weed whacker. I mean seriously, KSM is one hairy beast. And he is no doubt heading for the world of evil hairy beasts, a little place we like
to call HELL.

THE LA KINGS are well KINGS. Their first ever Stanley Cup Championship was won by beating the Devils 6-1 in Game 6. There is a question about the boarding penalty against the Devils that resulted in 3 quick goals, but hey. That's sports for you. So...good for them.

So is it me or has the UN once again turned a blind eye to what is happening in Syria? Are you kidding me? WTF? How much longer can the "Civilized" world sit back and allow this to happen to innocent women and children? What is it going to take for the "World" to step in and say ENOUGH!

With this now being a political hot potato for the current administration no one wants to do anything. Meanwhile hundreds are dying each day
in this bloody civil war. So sad to watch.

Message to President Ob ama. The Private Sector is not doing fine.

Ochocinco is now with Miami. Gee do you think the HBO series "Hard Knocks" had anything to do with him going south? Ha! You know it did!