George Downing

Our company Kialoa was in its infancy when the Downing Family took us under their wing. They believed in us before we believed in ourselves. George, a pioneer big wave surfer and paddler, would invite me into his office to talk story when I dropped paddles off at their store – Downing Hawaii. I treasured those moments.  He would tell me stories about "first ascents" of surfing Waimea Bay and racing the Kaiwi Channel. I was in the presence of ocean royalty. In my world, George Downing stands shoulder to shoulder with The Duke at the summit of watermen. Thank you, George. Thank you, for leading the way.

Aloha,

Dave Chun

https://www.surfer.com/features/rest-in-peace-george-downing-1930-2018/