Legendary Locals Gather For Reunion

By Jon Shafer

Rennie Yater Photo: Jon Shafer / Santa Barbara Surfer

Santa Barbara Surf Club Members From 1950’s & 1960’s Get Together

Thanks Facebook. A group of Santa Barbara’s original surf crew met at this month’s chapter meeting of the Santa Barbara Surf Club. For the first time in as many as 40 years, local surf pioneers convened to reminisce and share stories, and ultimately provide a history lesson to a stoked younger audience. And to think that the night was made possible by the Internet? Now there’s a contradiction. Not long ago, the “Information Superhighway” was as popular to surfers as maybe the leash, or the cell phone. Ah, but nowadays, pretty much everyone’s got a surf blog. From the Coffin Bros.’ YoungWiseTails.com to Seth De Roulet’s CentralCoastChronicles, and from Kilian Garland’s Kilgarz-KilianGarland to Lakey’s Lines, the Internet is now officially cool. Facebook is right smack in the middle of it. And, as evidenced by what was seen at the SB Surf Club meeting, it’s not just for “young people” anymore…

Ever since Santa Barbara Surf Club President Debbie Trauntvein created a Facebook Fan Page, a groundswell of activity and a surge of new energy has stoked an interest in connecting from both the old guard and the young. Last Summer, a few of the original founding members began appearing, culminating with a visit to Santa Barbara by Tucker Stevens. He attended a SB Surf Club meeting and he brought with him a collection of amazing photographs, and stories to go with them. Tucker’s visit was so successful that a true reunion was planned, and that’s how the event presently being reported on came to pass. I believe too that the recent passing of Jeff White reminded everyone of the delicateness of life, and the need to take advantage of opportunities to connect with good friends and loved ones.

So, the stage was set, and Thursday night was the big night. Master of Ceremonies Tucker Stevens introduced the principals, many of whom traveled from very far away to attend.

Join the SB Surf Club Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Santa-Barbara-Surf-Club

Watch Rennie Yater Tell the Story of the Santa Barbara Surf Club

Club President Deb Trauntvein

Bob Perko, Kathy Riggs, Bob Hazard, Mike Furner

Master of Ceremonies Tucker Stevens

Rennie Yater

Johnny Eichert: “He’ll always be the demon of the shaping bay with big curly q’s of balsa stuck in his arm hair and beard in the Cota Street factory. Absolute magic! And what a crew of guys that hung there too. So much happening every single day. The lack of beard really threw me.” — Mike Davis