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.
