Dale Dobson, 1972 U.S. Champ And Switch-Foot Icon, Dies At 78

Today, the surf community mourns the passing of Dale Dobson, the 1972 US Champ and widely considered one of the most talented switch-foot surfers in history. He was 78 years old. 

“Long may you ride Dale Dobson!” wrote longtime friend and competitor Joel Tudor. “Can’t thank you enough for all the tuff heats we surfed together in the late 1980s & early 90s ….arguably one of …if not the best switch stance surfer in history! Early pioneer in skateboarding, master ding repairman & fin designer!  Whenever someone asks who the most difficult competitor I’ve competed against was ….without hesitation it was and will always be Dale!  Love you amigo! Respect to the fullness eternal!” 

One of Dale’s oldest friends, Bird Huffman from Bird’s Surf Shed, had this to say:

“Yet another Veteran of the surf world has left us early this morning. He was the best surfer I have ever seen, though to most people, his name is obscured today. Being an extremely competitive person in the water, it’s a no wonder that he won more surfing events over a longer period of time than the GOAT.” 

“There was no pro-tour back then, but major events were won. He continued to win contests into his sixties, though they were mostly small local events. His skateboarding career was almost as impressive and long. Featured in numerous magazine articles over the years, he was never shy to promote or talk about himself. Some saw that as a flaw or an inflated ego. Call it as you will, but he did more than talk the talk. I’ve seen him pull into some thick barrels in his goofy foot stance only to get spit out and switch stance as he cracked the lip.” 

“On the last big day I ever surfed The Rock, he was sitting the furthest out catching some absolute bombs on a longboard. He was in his late 60’s! No one could touch him. He was very innovative and always was moving forward, whether being the first person I saw using a leash, or trying foot straps to try crazy maneuvers. Who else do you know who developed a fin template that is still used today?”

“The list goes on and on and his accomplishments were many and they were great. In later years, health issues kept him out of the water but the surf stoke never left him.” 

“I could talk about our adventures over the past 55 years but I hope this post better helps you understand just a bit about the true Legendary surfer that Dale Dobson was. Until we surf again old friend”

Rest in Power, Dale Dobson.