I was very sorry to read this morning of the death this week of another Hawaii surfing legend, George Downing (see Honolulu Star-Advertiser, “Hawaii surfing pioneer George Downing remembered“.
You can read much more about Downing’s role in the development of modern surfing in this article from the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center’s “Legendary Surfers” series.
After reading of his passing, I went looking for the many photos of Downing that were among my dad’s collection.
Here are a few, for the record.
Top finishers the Waikiki Surfclub’s 1st Annual Diamond Head Race, December 1948. George Downing placed 2nd. He’s the second from the left in this photo of the winners.
And another photo after that same event.
From a 1949 competition.
Makaha International Surfing Championships, 1965. George Downing won the Senior Mens division.
And Downing on stage at Makaha in 1965, with Fred Hemmings (right) and Mike Doyle. My dad, John Lind, announcing, on the left in the photo.
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These are lovely photographs Ian. I worked with Uncle George against the proposed T-groins on Gray’s Beach a decade ago. He was always willing to share his knowledge, kokua and made you feel like family. We have lost a great man, not just a legend.