Aloha…
http://www.santacruzwaves.com/local-loop/rip-johnny-rice-a-true-surfing-icon/
Just saw this sad news on Facebook. Aloha Johnny Rice. And condulances to all his Family and Friends.
More Johnny story
Nice write-up Mattwho, thanks for posting the link.
His Longboards and Mid-Size boards were some of the nicest I have ever seen. During the 80’s his boards were prominently featured at Portola Surf Shop on the Eastside in Santa Cruz. The shop was a fixture in that part of Town for a few years. The story of its owner is a sad one. Can’t remember his first name but he was a Locatelli(sp). Local established family. Made short boards under the “loco” lable. He closed his shop and moved over to management at O’neills. Used to see Johnny’s boards over at O’neills after Loco moved over there. Locatelli went thru hellacious health problems and died too young. I’m sure they are both with Johnny’s “Great Spirit” now. SC has lost some great surfers who were also great people. An early big heartbreak was the loss of Jay Moriarty. I gotta start spending more time in SC. Lowel
My mind kept at it. Pretty sure it was Mike Locatelli . Used to see him out at Sewer Peak once in awhile. He always looked at me like I shouldn’t be riding anything over 8’ long at that place.
