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

Live Now — Episode 2 Of S.U.R.F. California Presented By Sun Bum & Kona Big Wave

2913 Views

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. 

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Imagine Getting Coned All Day And Then Properly Hydrating Yourself Late Into The Night

Good news: The Quiksilver Festival, presented by Swatch, is back! And Slater says he's coming.

Sep 9, 2024

Mateus Herdy On How Soccer Culture Stormed Brazil’s Surfing Fanbase + Rawdogging The Changaz Sans Sponsorship

‘Brazilians come from a soccer culture where yelling at refs and being aggressive is normal.’

Sep 9, 2024

The World’s Most Overrated Waves

What bucket list surf spots join champagne, lobster, anal sex, and picnics?

Sep 8, 2024

“I’m Glad I Was Wrong”

Why the hell did anyone think John John Florence and Caity Simmers were the underdogs?

Sep 7, 2024

Caity Simmers And John John Florence Are Your 2024 World Champions Of Surfing

"All is right in the surfing universe": JJF wins first Title since 2017 and Caity…

Sep 6, 2024

2024 WSL Finals — Live Updates, Commentary, Betting Talk, And Conjecture

Best comment wins a free surfboard. Best surfing wins a free World Title.

Sep 6, 2024

Watch: More Uncut Warm-Ups With John Florence, Italo Ferreira, Jack Robinson, And More

Seven additional minutes of section demolition from the eve of the WSL Finals

Sep 5, 2024

Everything We’ve Seen, Heard, And Learned This Week At Lower Trestles

A WSL Final 5 preview.

Sep 5, 2024

“I Could See Italo Winning A World Title, Which Is Kinda Heavy”

Unapologetic West Australian Yadin Nicol makes his Final 5 BOAG picks. 

Sep 5, 2024

S.U.R.F. California Presented by Sun Bum and Kona Big Wave, Episode 2

Dane Reynolds, Frankie Harrer, Jake Kelley, Micky Clarke, $100, cases of beer, and "Jesus riding…

Sep 4, 2024

Watch: Raw Footage Of Ewing, Griff, Caroline, And More Warming Up For The WSL Finals

Eight minutes of unfiltered footage for your viewing pleasure.

Sep 4, 2024

Unsolicited Advice From Men

As told by Caity Simmers, Felicity Palmateer, Sachi Cunningham and more of surfing’s leading women.

Sep 4, 2024

Carissa Moore, Shane Dorian, Taj Burrow, Julian Wilson, And More Make Their 2024 World Title Predictions

"Without Filipe at Lowers, I think Ethan will simply look too powerful, technical and polished…

Sep 3, 2024

Full Frame: Bruce Is Back

"He was so psyched about getting that barrel — it was like seeing Bruce from…

Sep 3, 2024

Field Notes From A Rocking Boat At Singing Sultans

Here’s how Taj Burrow took out his third Four Seasons Maldives Trophy yesterday.

Sep 2, 2024

Can Doing The Bare Minimum Win A World Title?

The intriguing gap between surfers' average heat scores and their overall competitive success.

Sep 2, 2024

What’s The Hardest Wave To Paddle?

Russell Bierke, Nathan Florence + Soli Bailey help us decide — and explain what surfing…

Sep 1, 2024

Deep Dive: The One Boardshort That Ruled Them All

How Hurley Phantoms stretched into vogue acc to the guy that made 'em.

Sep 1, 2024
Advertisement