Bobby being interviewed by Colby Klink, at the opening of "The Innovations of Hobie" exhibit. photo: Linda Michael
A founding member of the Pacific Beach Surf Club in the late 1950s, Mr. Thomas took over Challenger Surfboards and made it one of the most successful surfboard manufacturers of the late 1960s. After a detour into the financial sector in the 1980s, Thomas returned to San Diego to sponsor surf tournaments, advise the PB Surf Club and even compete in surfing contests. Mr. Thomas died in Escondido on Sept. 16 of complications from lung disease. He was 69.
To read the rest of the article in UT San Diego, CLICK HERE
LeRoy Grannis, Whitey Harrison, and Terry Tracy. photo: Leo Hetzel
Surfing legend, Terry "Tubesteak" Tracy passed away on August 22, 2012. Also known as the "Mayor of Malibu", Tubesteak was the inspiration for "The Kahuna", Cliff Robertson's character in Gidget. Tubesteak was infact responsible for giving Kathy Kohner the nickname of "Gidget", on first seeing young Kathy, he yelled out, "hey look, it's a girl midget, a Gidget!" They soon became good friends. Tracy built the first shack at Malibu in 1959 and infact lived there for two summers. There were a lot of characters at Malibu, but Tubesteak was the character of characters. Tubey, we will miss you!
For more on the Tubesteak era at Malibu, go to:
On a side note, long time supporter, Richard "The Fox" Mobley passed away earlier this year, on March 9. There was a paddleout and celebration of his life on July 17, 2012, at 22nd St in Hermosa Beach with a party for over 400+ at the King Harbor Yacht Club in Redondo Beach. In attendance were many well known surfers from La Jolla, Hawaii, Santa Cruz and elsewhere. Richard will again be honored this September at the Annual Windansea Reunion and Luau. To read our tribute, please click:
please visit http://www.SurfingHeritage.org![]()
