Southern California Surf Community Shaken By Death Of Seal Beach Local Kirk Weissinger  - Stab Mag

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Southern California Surf Community Shaken By Death Of Seal Beach Local Kirk Weissinger 

“You weren’t cut out for the era you were born into. You were from a different time.”

elsewhere // Aug 20, 2024
Words by Stab
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Today, the Southern California and Seal Beach communities are reeling from news of the death of one of it’s most beloved young talents, Kirk Weissinger. 

“Gutted,” the Seal Beach Boardriders Club wrote on Instagram. “This is the only way to describe hearing the worst news any of us can receive – Kirk was no longer with us.”

“Sad, mad and every emotion in between, this one hits us all in the heart. Kirk’s talent in the water was undeniable- a Seal Comp City Champ and perennial performer for the Seal Boardriders Club, Kirk had the full repertoire. In the air, on the face, in the barrel or charging uncomfortably large surf, he always showed up and blew up. Amazing at every wave Seal has to offer, he ripped the shit out them all. Speak softly, throw a lot of water. Kirk was at the top of the pecking order. For anyone who showed up to surf Southside they’d see Kirk repeatedly thread the thickest, deepest pits and come to realize very quickly he was a Seal Local. He always showed respect in and out of the water and was humble about his amazing talent. A true waterman in every sense, the ocean was his playground.”

“A son, grandson, brother and friend to us all you’ll be missed more than you’ll ever know. The tears keep flowing.Our deepest condolences to Ric, Kristi, Erik, Clint and the entire Weissinger family. We hope you’re getting blown out of the thickest slab and landing the biggest fish brother. Rest Easy Kirk- we’re gutted”

Kirk was a close friend to many within the community, like Seal Beach community lynchpin Chad Wells, and childhood friends Jake Telkamp and Nolan Rapoza.   

“We lost a brother yesterda,y one of Seal Beach’s finest,” wrote Rapoza. “Kirk was like an older brother to me. Growing up in the streets of Seal Kirk Sam Tbone and Jake really brought me in and showed me what the surf culture was all about. Surfing all day, hoping back yards to skate empty pools, eating LBJ everyday, and boxing eachother in the alley of Jakes house. Kirk and all the seal boys are the reason I grew to love surfing so much. Just a year ago me and Kirk shared one of the best days ever at our local trading off pits all day it was something we could only dream of as groms. We finished off the day with a few beers at the bar and the vibes couldn’t be better. We ended up getting more tubes the next days after. If your from seal you will understand how rare of a day it really was. Something I will cherish forever! No person I’d rather split the peak with at SS. Thanks for showing me the ropes. Sending heartfelt condolences to the whole Weissinger family❤️ Kirk was truly loved by the whole seal beach community RIP Kirk.”

“I’ve had so many emotions today, Kirk,” wrote Tellkamp. “I sold you your first shortboard. I watched you learn to surf. I watched you become the best surfer in our hometown. We were supposed to surf Mavericks together. We were supposed to catch up and get a beer every time I was back in Seal.” 

“You weren’t cut out for the era you were born into. You were from a different time. You had soul. In a town full of chest thumpers, you let your surfing do the talking. I loved watching you surf Kirk. Last time we talked, you dreamt of giving the QS a swing. We made a plan to get you fishing in Alaska to make enough money to fund it.”

“I will forever be sad that you didn’t get on that plane.”

“We will look out for your brothers, and your mom and dad. Every time the @sealbeachboardriders get together, we will talk about you and there won’t be a dry eye in the room. We love you Kirk. We wanted you to see what we all saw in you.” 

Rest In Power, Kirk Weissinger. 

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