Surfer magazine played a significant role in my learning to read. Information on surfing was sketchy to nonexistent in the 1960's and I would read the newest issue of Surfer cover to cover, again and again. A surfer frequently featured was Californian Mike Doyle.
I meet Mike at the Surf Expo trade show in Orlando, Florida. Both of us were attending because of a new sport called SUP. Nearly 50 years had passed since I had seen Mike on the pages of Surfer, but when he walked into the KIALOA booth I greeted him with "Mike Doyle!" Which must have been an impressive opening line as I sold his wife Annie a paddle.
Meg and I last saw Mike in November of 2018. We were in Baja for Gerry's birthday. At the party, the local surf crew carried Mike down to the beach on a lounge chair pharaoh style. Diagnosed with ALS Mike had been absent from the Baja breaks and his friends relished his attendance.
We are going to miss you Mike. Mahalo for your friendship. Mahalo for pioneering the ocean lifestyle. And mahalo for motivating me to read.
A Hui Hou Kakou,
Dave
Read more about Mike.
https://www.surfer.com/features/legendary-waterman-mike-doyle-passes-away-at-78/
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