“I Still Surf in My Mind”: ‘Godfather of Surfing’ Reminisces His Surfing Days on His 84th Birthday

When thinking of an athlete who’s been associated with surfing long before even the modern surfboard came into existence, it is impossible to skip veteran surfer and pioneer, Pete Smith’s name. A hero of the Virginia Beach surfing sphere, Smith recently celebrated his 84th birthday with his friends and surfing antiques at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. 

Apart from the celebrations, Smith reflected on his past surfing days and shared that he never moved on from the sport and still misses it. Despite the physical limitations during his senescent phase, the former athlete hasn’t cut down on his enthusiasm for catching waves. Here’s how. 

Pete Smith cherishes his passion on his birthday

As reported by The Virginian Pilot, the 84-year-old icon was surrounded by his close ones and surfing souvenirs on his special day. One of his friends, George Kotarides remarked, “He’s the benevolent godfather of surfing in Virginia Beach.” The museum was selected as the venue for his birthday party in order to honor the legend for dedicating his life to the sport. The venue adorned a collection of historic surfboards along with antiques from Smith’s surf shop which was established in 1963.  “I still surf in my mind,” the former surfer confessed amid celebrations. It’s not surprising for one who has charted the success of the sport on the east coast.

Along with being a founder of the East Coast Surfing Championship (ECSC), he is also the first surf shop owner in the region. His breakthrough contributions have evolved Virginia Beach into one of the leading destinations for surfers all over the world.

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Moreover, the source disclosed that Smith was the emcee of the Virginia Beach Carnival, now known as ECSC.  “I always marveled at Pete’s voice…He has a command of the surfing language,” said surfer, Mary Sydney, whose uncle, Bob Holland teamed up with Smith to open the first surf shop in the area. 

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Would Smith have imagined the remarkable popularity of his beloved sport in today’s world? Besides that, witnessing the overwhelming number of talents from all over the world competing against each other while keeping their true spirit alive, must be a treat for the surfing pioneer. Don’t you agree?