By Denny Michael and Andrea Swayne
A group of Surfing Heritage Foundation directors, staff, members and Dewey Weber team riders, past and present, gathered for a photo at the “Little Man on Wheels” exhibition opening. Photo by Steve Wilkings
DEWEY WEBER EXHIBIT CONTINUES
The Surfing Heritage Foundation last month debuted a new exhibit and book—both titled “Dewey Weber, Little Man on Wheels”—at an opening reception and signing by biographer Gerald B. Derloshon.
The event featured a panel discussion of Weber team riders and associates, including Don Craig, Linda Benson, Kemp Aaberg, Skip Frye, Steve Pezman, Mike Tabling, Lonnie Albright, Shea Weber and Dewey’s wife Caroline.
Frye had some great stories about riding Weber surfboards in 1961 with Mike Hynson (of Endless Summer fame), Dewey’s famous whip turns and how Dewey was Skip’s first idol.
The evening drew a large gathering of Weber fans and team riders, past and present. Tall tales of “everything Dewey Weber” highlighted the evening.
The exhibition, curated by Barry Haun, consists of key surfboards such as the Dewey Weber Performer—the single most produced longboard model in the history of surfing—photographs, illustrations and other objects that punctuate the development of Dewey Weber as an iconic surfer, millionaire businessman and tireless industry promoter.
The exhibit runs through December 22.
MOURNING THE LOSS OF A LEGEND
The international surfing family received sad news of the October 22 passing of Donald Takayama, Hawaiian Pro Designs founder and master surfboard shaper.
“The Surfing Heritage Foundation Board, membership and certainly the entire surfing community is in mourning over the recent loss of surf icon Donald Takayama,” Steve Wilkings, SHF photo archivist said. “We would like to extend our condolences to the family and many friends who loved Donald.”
Log on to the Surfing Heritage Foundation website at www.surfingheritage.org to see some of the museum’s collection of photos of Takayama and read more about his much lauded career as a legend in the surfing world.
R.I.P. Donald Takayama: 1943-2012
Here, men from the planet earth came on a mission of discovery. We come in peace for all mankind.
At times…..to be honest….I hear a loud thud. My brain hurts.