The above date has been set for the 12th annual WindanSea Luau. Last year the honoree was Pat Curran. This year the honoree is Alan Nelson, a long time close friend of Pat. Both Alan and Pat were in that first group of surfers that rode Waimea back in 1957. Alan and Pat collaborated in the design and development of the then modern big wave gun. Alan is a true pioneer big wave surfer, and was a strong influence on a great many “name” shapers. Diff comes quickly to mind.
Alan is one of a very few people that I consider to be possessed of true genius in design,and at the same time a craftsman of the highest skill level. For me, these events are a ‘‘must attend’’ occasion. I encourage anyone who can, to attend. Alan is little known to most in surfing, but he is truely a giant in this sport. I know he shaped for Velzy, Hobie, and Yater, and I’m sure there are others I don’t know about. He is a piece of our HISTORY.
A further update/info…The website for the Windansea Historical Surfing Association is www.windanseasurfer.org. You can click on many of the past events, and photos of Windansea waves being ridden as much as 50 years ago. Very worth poking your nose into. I hope to see and meet some of you there.
People begin showing up before 7am. However the Luau/ food/ raffle won’t kickoff until some time around 2:30. It is best to arrive early before all the T-shirts and hats are gone. Early also provides an opportunity to talk to some of the people bringing down historic boards for display, and in a pinch, some surfing.