An Ode To George Downing, 1930-2018

The “Old Master” is gone. George Downing died in his sleep at the ripe old age of 87. It was, by all standards, a life well lived.

Yesterday was one of those days where memories slowly trickled through the digital airwaves. Photographer and friend Art Brewer remembered him lovingly with a photo of Downing and Rory Russell in a shaping bay.

The shot will make you stop and think.

Obituaries and remembrances have been written. But it’s hard to do an antiquated job encompassing the life and times of one of the most influential surfers of all-time. How does one do justice to a man that lived and loved so thoroughly and completely? He dedicated his life to the pursuit of riding waves, and if you’re reading this, you’re better off for it.

Encyclopedia of Surfing’s Matt Warshaw spent some time today splicing footage and photos together. Perhaps more than words, the visuals are worth soaking in and remembering the man. Hawaii and surfing has lost a true legend.