eastcoastsurf, Author at East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame’s “Duke Board” Finds a New Home

The Hall of Fame’s “Duke Board” Finds a New Home

The Hall of Fame’s Duke Board Finds a New Home

Replica of Duke Kahanamoku’s Historic Surfboard Unveiled at Atlantic Park Surf, Linking His Legacy to Generations of East Coast Surfers

Cocoa Beach, FL September 10, 2026 – The U.S. East Coast has a long and important surfing story – one that stretches from Maine to Florida and includes generations of surfers who have shaped the sport, its culture, its competitions and its communities. And there may be no better person to symbolize the connection between surfing’s history and the East Coast than Hawai’i’s legendary Duke Kahanamoku.

Duke is widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Surfing.” His influence reached around the world, but his story on the U.S. mainland has a particularly important East Coast chapter.

In 1912, following his return from the Stockholm Olympics, where he won several swimming gold medals, Duke rode waves in Atlantic City, New Jersey, his first surfing on the U.S. mainland. Thereafter, he returned to the East Coast many times and helped establish surfing as part of the coastal culture that we know today, including in Virginia Beach.

On Monday, August 31, the Hall of Fame celebrated surfing’s history and a remarkable connection with Atlantic Park Surf with the unveiling of an exact replica of the famous wooden “Duke” board ridden by Duke Kahanamoku. The board is displayed next to the entrance to the WRV Pro Shop inside the park.

The board itself is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. It was shaped and finished by Bill Simon, constructed from old-growth curly redwood, and donated to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame by Mike “Miggs” Migliorisi.

The board carries the names and induction years of the men and women who have been honored by the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame – connecting Duke’s legacy with the generations of East Coast surfers who followed him.

A special thanks goes to Monty Dise and Grateful Funds for their generous donation that helped make this permanent display possible.

Our sincere thanks also go to Brittany Baer-Albert and Donna MacMillan-Whitaker of Venture Realty Group and Tracy Derring of Atlantic Park Surf for their support and belief in the project and to Nate Stevens, the General Manager of Atlantic Park Surf for embracing this collaboration.

Photos, all L-R: 1. The Duke Board, shaped by Bill Simon, gifted by Mike “Miggs” Migliorisi. 2. Hall of Fame 2016 Inductee Corey Lopez, friend and donor Monty Dise, ECSHOF president Gary Germain, president-elect David Scibal, Advisor Peter “PT” Townend, Hall of Fame 2004 Inductee Wes Laine, and Wes, Jr. 3. 1976 WSL (IPS) World Champion PT, event emcee. 4. APS Surf Club Director Brent DeGeronimo, Monty Dise, Mike Miggs and Gary Germain. 5. APS GM Nate Stevens, PT, Gary Germain, David Scibal, L.G. Shaw III, Adventure Realty’s Brittany Baer-Albert and APS’ Tracy Derring. 6. David Scibal with Duke Board donor Mike Miggs. 7. PT and Mike Miggs. 8. Gary Germain, David Scibal, L.G. Shaw III. 9. The event promo. 10. HOF Board members Gary Germain, David Scibal, Ricky Carroll, PT and L.G. Shaw III. Photos: Hunter Skolnick/Atlantic Park Surf

eastcoastsurf2026-09-11T16:30:25+00:00

A New Wave of Leadership

A New Wave of Leadership

A New Wave of Leadership

Experienced Non-profit, Business, and Surfing Leaders Elected to Guide the Organization’s Next Chapter

COCOA BEACH, FL, August 19, 2026 – The Board of Directors of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame (ECSHOF) has elected a new executive leadership team that reflects the organization’s continued commitment to preserving the rich history, culture, and legacy of East Coast surfing.

Following unanimous actions by the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2027, David Scibal will serve as President, L.G. Shaw III as Vice President, and Jim Cartland as Secretary-Treasurer.

The three incoming officers represent decades of leadership within the surfing community, combining non-profit management, surf industry experience, and competitive surfing accomplishments.

David Scibal, who has served on the ECSHOF Board of Directors since 2021, steps into the presidency after five years as Treasurer, Social Media and Fundraising Director. During that time, he helped quadruple the organization’s social following and strengthen its financial foundation while leading fundraising initiatives that supported the Hall of Fame’s mission to preserve and celebrate the history of East Coast surfing. Additionally, David previously served on the Board of Directors of both SHACC and U. S. Board Riders Clubs.

Joining him as Vice President is L.G. Shaw III, a second-generation owner of Wave Riding Vehicles (WRV) headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA. As one of the East Coast’s most respected board builders and surf retailers with additional doors in the Outer Banks, Puerto Rico and Japan, WRV has been an integral part of the surfing community for decades. His deep ties to both the surf industry and Virginia Beach’s surfing heritage bring valuable perspective to the Hall of Fame’s leadership.

Serving as Secretary-Treasurer will be Dr. Jim Cartland, a radiologist whose connection to East Coast surfing extends back more than five decades. In 1974, he finished second in both the East Coast and the U.S. Surfing Championships at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina – the latter a competition widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and historically significant surfing events ever held on the East Coast. His lifelong commitment to surfing and distinguished professional career reflect the broad range of leadership represented within the Hall of Fame.

“Our organization has never been stronger,” said outgoing President Gary Germain, who has served with distinction since 2016 after succeeding co-founder Cecil Lear, and who will take on the new role as President Emeritus, an honorary, non-voting position established by the Board. Germain continued: “This leadership team brings together proven non-profit knowledge, respected surf industry experience, and authentic East Coast surfing roots. Their collective experience positions the Hall of Fame to continue honoring our past while expanding our impact for future generations.”

The new officers will work alongside the Board of Directors and Advisory Council to continue expanding educational initiatives, preserving the history of East Coast surfing, strengthening partnerships throughout the surfing community, and ensuring the achievements of East Coast surfers continue to be recognized for generations to come.

Collage, top left, clockwise: Incoming President David Scibal and VP L.G. Shaw III with the Hall of Fame’s number one donor, Monty Dise at a recent dinner while visiting Atlantic Park Surf. Board members Sharon Wolfe Cranston, Gary Germain, David Scibal, Bob Mignogna and Jim Cartland. Board member Ricky Carroll. Board member Greg Loehr, Carol Busbey, Debbie Dooley and Scott Busbey. Board member and 2001 World Champ C.J. Hobgood along with 7x Women’s World Champ Layne Beachley. L.G. Shaw III at the surfboard collector’s event staged by Hall of Famer Sid Abbruzzi at the Doris Duke mansion in Rhode Island. David Scibal and Sharon Wolfe Cranston. C.J. Hobgood and David Scibal chuckle it up with the first World Champ and ECSHOF Advisory Council member Peter “PT” Townend as they look at a Katin ad from the late 1970s with PT and Scibal featured along with many of the best surfers in the world. Photos, top left, clockwise: The Waiter. Mike Vuocolo, Dick “Mez” Meseroll / ESM, John Hughes, Courtesy ASP/WSL, Bruce Chrisner, Michael Baytoff, Mike Vuocolo.

eastcoastsurf2026-09-11T16:31:42+00:00

Matt Pruett Joins The Advisory Council

Matt Pruett Joins The Advisory Council

Matt Pruett Joins the Advisory Council
Noted Surf Journalist Joins East Coast Team

COCOA BEACH, FL, March 20, 2026 – The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is pleased to announce Matt Pruett has joined the Advisory Council. Pruett joins a group of experienced surfers – including Mike May, Michael Baytoff, Pete Dooley, Pam Hill, Hunter Joslin, Mitch Kaufman and others – who provide strategic guidance and outside perspective to help the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors make better decisions. In Pruett’s role, he will help build greater awareness of the rich history of current and future East Coast Surfing Hall of Famers.

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Photo: Dick “Mez” Meseroll / ESM

Pruett is arguably the East Coast’s preeminent surf journalist, dedicating the last 30 years to the culture. His surfing began on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and years later his interest in surf journalism and his education in creative writing led him to Eastern Surf Magazine, where he rose through the ranks and eventually became Editor of the East Coast’s leading surf publication. Pruett remained at the helm eight years focused on his East Coast roots after which he moved on to Surfline.com, the leading online surf media in the U.S., where he became East Coast Editor. Pruett’s work has appeared in surf publications around the globe. He has authored books, written scrips for surfing films and more.

The ESM team. Pruett, back row, third from right.
Also in the photo – Donald Cresitello, Nick McCarthy, Lauren Walker, Matt Walker, Tom Dugan, Dick Meseroll and others – ESM “A TEAM.” Photo: Dick “Mez” Meseroll / ESM

“Getting inducted into the ECSHOF was the highlight of my career, a career largely defined by highlighting other people’s achievements,” remarked Pruett recently. “I look forward to raiding my 30 years of files to research subsequent prospective inductees so they too can feel the pride and joy that I’ve felt.”

“Matt Pruett has long been one of the most respected voices in surf journalism, and we’re honored to welcome him to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Advisory Council,” said the President of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame, Gary Germain. “His deep knowledge of surf culture and storytelling, along with his passion for preserving surfing’s history, will be an invaluable asset as we continue to celebrate and document the legacy of East Coast surfing.”

Today, Pruett lives in South Nags Head where he surfs year ‘round and continues to build his lengthy resume – all about East Coast surfing and surfers

Spanish House, Florida. Photo: Dick “Mez” Meseroll / ESM

eastcoastsurf2026-03-20T12:49:17+00:00

LG Shaw III Joins the Board of Directors

LG Shaw III Joins the Board of Directors

LG Shaw III Joins the Board of Directors
Second Generation Surf Brand Owner Becomes Newest Board Member

COCOA BEACH, FL, March 2, 2026 – The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is pleased to announce LG Shaw III joined the Board of Directors. Shaw was born and raised in Virginia Beach and has been inside the surf industry since before he could crawl. His family, led by Hall of Fame father, Les, who along with his then partner, Bill Frierson, purchased Wave Riding Vehicles from the Fine Brothers and others in 1973-4, building it into a worldwide brand and one of the largest and most influential retailers and surfboard companies in the U.S. Shaw spent nearly a decade managing the WRV Oahu location, furthering his connection to the roots of surfing and the heartbeat of the industry. He currently serves as president of WRV based in Virginia Beach, where he resides with his wife Stacy and their two children, Les IV and Sage.

LG Shaw, president of Wave Riding Vehicles and the ECSHOF’s newest Board member. Photo: David Uhrin

Over the last decade, Shaw helped form The ViBe Creative District in Virginia Beach and created The Alley, a hive of local businesses that have flourished in the District. More recently, Shaw arranged for WRV as the “Official Retail Partner” with a WRV Pro Shop on site that is also the provider of rental and coaching services for Atlantic Park Surf. He’s had a strong interest in local politics as well, given the influence that surfing and beach culture have on the region’s economy.

“As a second gen surf retailer, board builder and community businessman, and with the history of WRV before and during my father’s time, I have a keen interest in acknowledging those who made surfing an incredible sport and lifestyle here in Virginia Beach, the East Coast and internationally,” commented Shaw on a recent call. “I hope to bring my experience and passion to the Hall of Fame to help it reach a wider and more youthful audience in new and creative ways.”

“Surfing is LG’s life in the water and on land. He represents a new generation of industry professionals with a beat on the market today,” remarked Hall of Fame president Gary Germain. “The Hall of Fame’s board decided a year ago to expand with an eye on building a team to drive the organization into the decade ahead. We added 2001 ASP World Champ C.J. Hobgood and master craftsman Ricky Carroll recently. By now adding LG to the Hall of Fame board, I look at the full team and am confident the organization will be in good hands for years to come.”

Left to right: LG Shaw III sneaking into a nice barrel at Atlantic Park Surf, where WRV is the Official Retail Partner. Photo: Andrew Tonra Three generations of Shaws: Les IV, Les III and Les II. Photo: Stacy Shaw

eastcoastsurf2026-09-11T16:32:59+00:00

2026 Surf Expo Shape-Off Winners Announced

2026 Surf Expo Shape-Off Winners Announced

2026 Surf Expo Shape-Off Winners Announced
Charlie Bunger, New York’s Legendary Shaper, Honored

ORLANDO, FL, January 23, 2026 – As Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Surf Expo Shape-Off, the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is proud to announce the winners of the annual surfboard shaping competition. This year’s event honored Charlie Bunger, who started shaping in 1961 on Long Island, New York. Throughout the following decades, Bunger Surfboards became one of the East Coast’s premiere surfboard brands. He was inducted into the ECSHOF in the inaugural Class of 1996 and into the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame in 2017. Bunger passed away in 2018.

Each year at the January Surf Expo Trade Show, a select group of shapers are invited to participate in making a replica of a classic board designed and shaped by a master. This year’s group of eight previous Shape-Off winners were challenged to replicate Bunger’s popular single fin swallow tail from the late 1970s in the “Champions Challenge.”

Ricky Carroll, Shape-Off director and board member of the ECSHOF, Roy Turner, Surf Expo’s VP, and Gary Germain, ECSHOF President, proudly announced MATT CALVANI of Bing Surfboards as the 2026 “Champions Challenge” Surf Expo Shape-Off winner. In addition to a $2,000 check, Calvani’s name will be placed on the Perpetual Trophy recently donated by the ECSHOF. ALLEN WHITE of Allen White Surfboards was second, and JIM HANNAN of JH Shapes third.

“Surfers know that shapers are the heart and soul of the sport and industry,” commented Carroll following the event. “It has been my honor and a privilege to
support the shaping community with this event every year. All the replicas were outstanding, but we must pick the winners, and I believe our judges made the right call.”

Hall of Fame president Germain remarked, “We were excited to bring Ricky Carroll on the Board this past summer because his respect for the surfboard building community and his connection to the Shape-Off align with the Hall of Fame’s mission to honor the contributions individual surfers make to the sport. And, as a shaper myself, having the ECSHOF participating in this event as Presenting Sponsor is very special to me.”

Clockwise from top left: The Master, Charlie Bunger. Josh Peterson, Peterson Surfcraft; Finishing touches, Juan Rodriquez, One World Surfboards; Numbers 1, 2 and 3 along with Ricky Carroll and Roy Turner; Peterson comparing his shape to the Bunger original; Mike Whisnant, Whisnant Surfboards; The Champions Challenge Champ, Matt Calvani, Bing Surfboards; Carroll and ECSHOF President Germain.

Photos, same order: Tom Dugan / ESM, Dick “Mez” Meseroll / ESM, Mez, Bruce Chrisner, Mez, Mez, Chrisner, Chrisner

eastcoastsurf2026-01-23T05:26:37+00:00

ECSHOF Inducts Class of 2026

ECSHOF Inducts Class of 2026

East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2026
While celebrating its 30th Anniversary, eleven category inductees and the Cecil Lear President’s Award recipient were honored

ASBURY PARK, NJ, January 13, 2026 – The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Class of 2026 has been inducted during a ceremony held Thursday evening, January 8, 2026, in front of a large crowd at the Orange County Convention Center following a day of business at the 50th Anniversary Surf Expo Trade Show held in the same location.

The Class of 2026 were inducted in six categories through a rigorous four-step voting process, which began on September 1, 2024, with public submissions. Inductees are:

Culture — Drew Brophy, South Carolina

Industry —Tony Giordano, New Jersey

Media ——Matt Pruett, North Carolina

Legends – Jay Reale, Maryland; Bernie Crouch, Florida

Pioneers—Rich Price, Florida; Carl “Tinker” West, New Jersey

Surfers——Dr. Lisa Carulli, Florida; Scott Duerr, New Jersey; Todd Morcom, Florida; Bryan Hewitson, Florida.

The Class of 2026. L-R: Bernie Crouch, Legend; Bryan Hewitson, Surfer; Scott Duerr, Surfer; Mike Angiulo, CLPA; Rich Price, Pioneer; Dr. Lisa Carulli, Surfer; Matt Pruett, Media: Drew Brophy, Culture; Tony Giordano, Industry; Gary Germain, ECSHOF President; Jay Reale, Legend; Todd Morcom, Surfer; Hunter Joslin, emcee. Missing: Rick Barry, who accepted for Carl “Tinker” West (d), Pioneer. Photo: Bruce Chrisner

Also, inducted in the 30th Anniversary celebration was Mike Angiulo, selected by the Board of Directors to receive the prestigious Cecil Lear President’s Award (CLPA), named to honor the Hall of Fame’s co-founder and 20-year President (1996-2016). The CLPA is awarded to an individual who made a lasting contribution to East Coast surfing in leadership or mentoring. Angiulo, a Montauk, Long Island, NY native, was a volunteer with the Eastern Surfing Association for 30 years, primarily as Legal Director. He was also Executive Director of the sport’s National Governing Body, the USSF, for five years, including 1996 when the U.S. Team took Gold in the ISA World Surfing Games. Surfing Magazine named Angiulo one of the “50 Surfers Who Are Changing Our Sport” on the cover of the November 1987 issue.

Class of 2026-MikeAnguiolo-GaryGermain-Induction Ceremony-1.8.26-MikeVuocolo_

Mike Angiulo, left, was awarded the prestigious Cecil Lear President’s Award by the Hall of Fame’s president Gary Germain, right. The award is given by the Board of Directors to a single individual who made a lasting contribution to East Coast surfing in leadership or mentoring. Angiulo spent 30 years volunteering for the Eastern Surfing Association and U.S. Surfing Federation. Photo: Mike Vuocolo

Following the ceremony, which included introductions, speeches and career highlight videos, the Hall of Fame’s president Gary Germain commented, “This Class of 2026 represents everything we celebrate about East Coast surfing – passion, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to the ocean and community. I am incredibly excited and deeply honored to welcome this remarkable group of surfers whose achievements and character have shaped our coastline and culture. Their contributions didn’t just advance the sport; they inspired generations and helped define what East Coast surfing is today.”

eastcoastsurf2026-01-15T15:16:44+00:00

ECSHOF Presents Surf Expo’s 2026 Shape-Off

ECSHOF Presents Surf Expo’s 2026 Shape-Off

Hall of Fame Becomes Presenting Sponsor of Surf Expo’s Shape-Off
Charlie Bunger to be Honored At 2026 “Champions Challenge”

ASBURY PARK, NJ, December 29, 2025 – Following the recent addition of surfboard builder Ricky Carroll to its Board of Directors, the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is pleased to announce it has agreed to become the Presenting Sponsor of the Surf Expo Shape-Off, created by Scott Bass in San Diego, then introduced to the East Coast by Carroll in 2008. The Shape-Off is held annually during Surf Expo with the 2026 edition to take place during the 50th Anniversary trade show, January 7-9 at the Orlando Convention Center.

This year’s competition is billed the “Champions Challenge,” and will feature eight winners from previous editions of the Shape-Off, who will honor one of the all-time greats of East Coast surfboard building, Charlie Bunger. Over three days, each shaper will work inside a portable shaping bay stationed on the trade show floor as show attendees look on. After all boards are completed, a panel of judges, led by Carroll, will select the most accurate rendition of a Bunger design 1970s single fin swallowtail, and a cash prize purse and bragging rights will be awarded.

Charlie Bunger shaped his first surfboard in 1961 and built Bunger Surfboards into a Long Island, NY and East Coast powerhouse. He was inducted into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame in its inaugural Class of 1996 and the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame in 2013. Bunger continued to shape and manage his business until late in life, passing away in 2018, leaving his sons to continue the surfboard and retail operations.

“I am truly excited about the coming Surf Expo Shape-Off,” remarked Carroll recently, “as the man we are honoring is a true legend of East Coast surfing. The invited shapers are highly skilled and successful craftsmen, which will make it very competitive, although a lot of fun, too. I’m also happy the Hall of Fame has stepped up and funded our new Perpetual Trophy, which will carry the engraved names of all prior Shape-Off Champions and will be presented to the 2026 winner by East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame President Gary Germain.”

The eight invited shapers include:

Hall of Fame president Germain followed up, “Thanks to Ricky Carroll for his hard work and dedication producing the Shape-Off every year since 2008. It proves that Ricky is an industry giant, dedicated to promoting surfboard brands and those who build them. His mission with the Shape-Off is in perfect sync with the mission of the Hall of Fame – honoring the greats of East Coast Surfing.”

For more information, visit

2026 Surf Expo Shape-Off

eastcoastsurf2026-01-03T02:34:28+00:00

Class of 2026 Announced

Class of 2026 Announced

East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2026
Announces 30th Anniversary
11 Inductees and The Cecil Lear President’s Award Recipient Announced

ASBURY PARK, NJ, August 18, 2025 – The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that the voting has been completed and tallied, and the Class of 2026 can now be revealed.

The Class of 2026 will be inducted at a special 30th Anniversary celebration to take place during the January 2026 Surf Expo Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. Inductees will include:

Surfer’s……..Todd Morcom, Florida; Dr. Lisa Carulli, Florida; Scott Duerr, New Jersey; Bryan Hewitson, Florida
Industry…….Tony Girodano, New Jersey
Media………..Matt Pruett, North Carolina
Culture………Drew Brophy, South Carolina
Legends……..Jay Reale, Maryland; Bernie Crouch, Florida
Pioneers……..Richard Price, Florida; Carl “Tinker” West, New Jersey

Additionally, the Cecil Lear President’s Award will be given to New York’s Mike Angiulo for his decades of dedication to Surfing and exhibiting extraordinary leadership throughout his career as legal counsel to the Eastern Surfing Association and Executive Director of the United States Surfing Federation.

“There’s no better event to launch the Hall of Fame’s 30th Anniversary Year than with an Induction Ceremony for these well deserving surfers, who represent exactly what the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is all about – honoring forever those individuals who have made significant contributions to East Coast Surfing,” said Hall of Fame President Gary Germain. “Since 1996 when Cecil Lear held the Hall’s first induction ceremony, fulfilling the dream that Greg “Da Bull” Noll shared with Cecil the year before, the Hall of Fame has inducted 188 surfers into the institution. It will be an honor to present these 12 surfers with their awards in January.”

Future Hall of Famers, L-R, Top-to-Bottom: Todd Morcom, Jay Reale, Dr. Lisa Carulli, Matt Pruett, Scott Duerr, Bernie Crouch, Rich Price, Drew Brophy, Bryan Hewitson, Tony Giordano, Tinker West, Mike Angiulo. Photos: Baytoff, Brisick, Dugan/ESM, Lugo, Mez/ESM, Angiulo Family

eastcoastsurf2025-11-06T17:52:11+00:00

Cj Hobgood Joins the Board of Directors

Cj Hobgood Joins the Board of Directors

CJ Hobgood Joins the Board of Directors
World Champion Becomes the Newest Member of the Board

ASBURY PARK, NJ, Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame has announced that 2001 WSL (ne ASP) World Champion CJ Hobgood has joined the Board of Directors. Hobgood, who had numerous ESA and NSSA Championships under his belt before turning pro, is pleased to be giving back to the sport that gave so much to him.

“I love the sport of Surfing and the lifestyle it has provided for my family and me,” commented Hobgood during a recent call. “With my post-pro surfing career well underway, now is the time for me to give back to the sport I love, and to East Coast Surfing, as it’s obviously in my blood.”

“The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is committed to strengthening our Board with individuals who bring both competitive experience and industry insight,” remarked president Gary Germain. “CJ Hobgood was a clear choice—his achievements in professional surfing, deep connection to the East Coast community, and dedication to preserving the sport’s history make him an invaluable addition. We look forward to his leadership and contributions as we continue advancing ECSHOF initiatives for years to come.”

As the 2001 ASP World Tour Champion, Hobgood is a member of an elite crew of professional World Champions from the East Coast that includes Frieda Zamba and Lisa Andersen, both East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Inductees, and Kelly Slater, who undoubtedly will one day be in the Hall of Fame. Hobgood began his championship run winning the ESA’s Menehune Division in 1991 followed by the NSSA East Coast Men’s Champion in 1994, NSSA National Junior Champion in 1995, the 1997 NSSA East Coast Men’s Champion and the 2008 ISA World Surfing Games Champion. He was a fearless aerial surfer and a big wave barrel rider at Pipeline, Cloudbreak and Teahupo’o.

Hobgood and twin brother Damien have held Camp Hobgood annually for rising pros in training. He was a founding partner in Salty Crew apparel and owns a real estate practice in the Melbourne, Florida area. CJ Hobgood was inducted into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame in 2022.

eastcoastsurf2025-03-25T23:29:12+00:00

SURF EXPO, JANUARY 2025

SURF EXPO, JANUARY 2025

Class of 2004 ECS Hall of Famer Pete Dooley Honored

The 2025 Florida Shape-Off was hosted by Surf Expo and produced by ECS Hall of Famer Ricky Carroll (kneeling, front), honoring Hall of Famer Pete Dooley (sitting). Invited shapers included Bob Rohmann, Allen White, Greg Loehr, Scott Busbey, Tommy Maus and Chris Birch.

The Florida Shape-Off, under the watchful eyes of organizer Ricky Carroll, takes place every year at the January Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida. The Shape-Off promotes the art and craft of hand-shaping surfboards by honoring one shaper and one model surfboard made popular by that shaper, by inviting a half dozen other prominent shapers to recreate the honoree’s masterpiece, The shaped replica deemed closest to the original is declared the winner.

For 2025, Pete Dooley was chosen to be honored. Pete, as many know, was the co-founder and frontman of Natural Art Surfboards, who, along with partner Scott Busbey and NA shaper Greg Loehr, built Natural Art into the most prominent East Coast board builder in the history of surfing, and a global leader in wave riding equipment.

Invited to compete in the Shape-Off were Busbey, Loehr, Florida’s Bob Rohmann, Tommy Maus and Chris Birch, and Virginia’s Allen White. White, who has competed in previous Shape-Offs at Surf Expo, finally took home the first place prize and $2,000 as his replica was declared the winning board.

The 2025 Florida Shape-Off honoring Pete Dooley was also a time for many friends from up and down the East Coast to spend time with the man who has earned respect from all and is a dear friend to many.

Photos by: John Hughes, Mike Vuocolo, and Tom Warnke.

eastcoastsurf2025-01-28T22:30:45+00:00

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Class of 2004 ECS Hall of Famer Pete Dooley Honored