“Has Done Great Things”: Community Pours in Heartfelt Tributes for ‘Godfather of Surfing’ on His 84th Birthday

Last Friday, the founder of the East Coast Surfing Championships, Pete Smith, celebrated his 84th birthday. Locals have dubbed Smith as the “Godfather of surfing in Virginia.” Owing to his age, it has been years since the veteran last caught a wave. However, the tales of his past achievements are still the talk of the town. Smith is also the co-owner of the area’s first surfboard shop.

As the veteran celebrated his birthday, fans took to social media to wish him on his special day. Along with sending him good wishes, some locals reminisced about their past encounters with the Surfing legend. Before we get into what fans have to say, let’s see how Pete Smith celebrated his 84th birthday.

Pete Smith celebrates his big day

As per the Virginian Post, Pete Smith spent his birthday surrounded by friends and family. His birthday party was held at Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum. The said venue is located on 24th Street at the oceanfront. The museum houses a collection of items from Smith’s iconic surf shop along with several historic surfboards.

Along with being called the Godfather, Smith is also credited for his contributions to making Virginia Beach the mecca of the sport. Early on in his career, Smith served as a lifeguard at the beach. He also served as an emcee during the contest and mesmerized fans with his “command on the Surfing language.”

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On account of his birthday, the Virginian Post shared Smith’s life story on Facebook. Taking to the comments section of the post, fans and friends chimed in to celebrate the surfing legend.

Surfing world celebrates the veteran

Remembering his contributions to the sport, a fan commented, “I dont know about a mecca for the sport but he has done great things for surfing in Va Beach.” Wishing him on his big day, another one added, “Happy Birthday Pete! We get five to six footers we rip on up here in Middlesex on occasion… it’s a rare occasion but we take what we can get…🤙🌊🏄‍♂🌊🏄🌊🏄‍♀.”

Excited about his birthday, a third fan wished, “Happy Birthday 🎁🎈🎊 PETE SMITH VA. BEACH SURF LEGEND.” Another one recalled, “Remember those Pete Smih days as a local…Enjoy your special day.” Thinking about the apparel from his store, a fan commented, “BEST t-shirts ever!!! Wish I still had mine. Happy Birthday!” Still, in possession of the famous t-shirt, another one added, “I still have my Pete Smith long sleeve, orange t-shirt from the 80s. 👍🏼 Happy Birthday!!”

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Many more many fans took to the comments to send their wishes to the veteran.