Surfers paddled out, joined arms and chanted “Tony” nine times in a circle of love and remembrance for their fallen mate.
The surfers’ farewell at Lyall Bay on Saturday was in calm water, contrasting with the rough conditions five days earlier when musician and surfer Tony Costa died after a collision in the water.
Mr Costa, 33, is survived by his wife of nine years, Sam, and their daughters Jah’min, 9, and Unity, 6.
More than 100 people watched from the shore as surfers paddled into the formation.
Mr Costa’s casket was driven to Lyall Bay after his funeral service at Celebration Fellowship Church in Thorndon Quay. A surfboard was signed with tributes to Mr Costa and messages of support for his family.
“It was the perfect sendoff for the bro,” friend Fiso “Flowz” Siloata said.
“There were so many people. The side of the beach was packed. A DJ played Tony’s music out live while we went out into the ocean.”
Mr Siloata’s son, Star, who was taught to surf and skateboard by Mr Costa, paddled into the middle of the circle to lay a wreath in the water.
Earlier in the week, family members told The Dominion Post about Mr Costa’s love for his daughters he called them his queens his devotion to his music and his passion for living life on the edge. He had travelled to Wellington from his home in Palmerston North to work on an Illyspillaz album with music friends.
Mr Siloata, from hip-hop group Foot Souljahs, shared Mr Costa’s love of music rather than surfing, but entered the circle to pay tribute to his friend of 15 years.
“I just went out there because the bro was trying to get us into the water for so long. We all held hands and chanted Tony’s name. Then all the surfers went out and caught a wave.” It was what “Tony would have wanted”.
Dick Baker never left the house without five pennies he carried in his pocket.
The first, he had since the day he married his wife Una. Two were added after his teenage boys, Jack and Ryan, were born. And there was one for his dog, Tucker.
Each penny was from the years his loved ones were born.
Those pennies were thrown into the ocean on Sunday afternoon, in the middle of a circle formed by hundreds sitting on their surfboards, during a traditional Hawaiian paddle out honoring Baker.
Baker, president of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, died mid-April after a two year battle with cancer. He was 62.
“He touched so many lives,” said Una. “So many people here, they want to hold on to that.”
Una – who would have celebrated 20 years married to Baker June 10 – said he was a strong-willed man with a great sense of humor who made friends wherever he went.
“Even someone he didn’t know, he knew how to make them comfortable,” she said. “He never judged a person, and he got to know their beauty, their strength.”
John Warner, former president of Quiksilver, said the gathering was a fitting tribute. Despite the fact that Baker didn’t surf, “he earned this honor and respect from the surfing world he loved so dearly.”
Before the paddle out, friends gathered in the park area to share stories of Baker, many drawing laughs – and tears – from the crowd.
Those who showed up at the memorial ranged from surfing industry top business leaders such as CEO of Quiksilver Bob McKnight and CEO of Billabong Paul Naude, to young entrepreneurs just starting out.
“He always made us feel as if we were just as important as any CEO of any major company,” said Dylan Odbert, who gained guidance from Baker as he and his brother Dustin launched Ambission Clothing.
Likewise, Candy Harris was just starting out in her career when she crossed paths with Baker. Through the years, he became and mentor, then a friend. He taught her many life lessons, such as the value of social responsibility.
“He was a cheerleader for our industry, a champion for so many causes,” said Harris, now vice president of marketing for Billabong’s women’s division.
Baker was involved in many non-profits and charities.
Jesse Billauer, founder of Life Rolls On, spoke about how he’d meet with Baker to get advice on running the non-profit.
But he learned so much more – how to be a good husband, father, and how to be a man.
“Let friends and family know how much they mean to you,” he said. “I hope I can touch as many lives as he has,” Billauer said.
As a testimony of how far his reach actually was, a large circle with a few hundred surfers formed offshore at Doheny State Beach. A surfboard covered in flowers was taken to float in the center of the ring of people.
Stories were shared, and tears flowed. At the end of the tribute, an Orange County Sherriff’s boat sprayed water, and the surfers splashed the ocean and hooted for their friend.
Baker had spent most of his time on the east coast before joining the Ocean Pacific team in 1997, helping to increase revenues to $250 million worldwide during his time as CEO. He continued on as president until 2007.
“He taught everybody about the business of surfing and everyone respected him,” said Bob Mignogna, who sits as a senior advisory board for SIMA. “I didn’t meet a guy who didn’t.”
But more than what he did for the industry, he’ll be remembered as a loving father who loved his family more than anything.
“He really was a mentor to all the people here. They all looked up to him, kind of in the same way me and my brother (Ryan) do,” said his son, Jack.
Some life lessons he taught his sons: Always respect people. Be considerate of other people and the way they do things.
For Fernando Aguerre, co-founder of Reef Brazil sandals, he’ll never forget three words Baker lived by: “Giving, giving, giving.”
SIMA & friends of Dick Baker host memorial paddle out
The SIMA and surf industry families are deeply saddened by the recent passing of SIMA’s longtime president, leader and guiding light, Dick Baker, after his two-year battle with cancer. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support that have been expressed. A public Paddle Out has been planned in Dick’s honor. Please find the details below:
PADDLE OUT SERVICE IN MEMORY OF DICK BAKER
WHEN:
Sunday, May 31 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Doheny State Park
Picnic Areas A and B (map attached)
The service will begin in Picnic Area A and will include a traditional Paddle Out service in the water. Following the service, attendees are invited to surf Doheny and picnic in areas A and B, which are covered. Please bring your own beverages and food. Hawaiian singers and musicians will entertain. Festivities will continue until approximately two hours after the Paddle Out concludes.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From San Diego:
I-5 North to Beach Cities exit
Once on exit ramp, bear left to Pacific Coast Highway North to Dana Point
Turn left at Dana Point Harbour Drive and make first left into Doheny State Park. Ranger will provide directions.
From Orange County: I-5 South exit Pacific Coast Highway North to Dana Point
Turn left at Dana Point Harbour Drive and make first left into Doheny State Park. Ranger will provide directions.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Parking on-site, and we suggest arriving early. San Onofre and California State Park parking passes are accepted, otherwise there is a standard parking fee of $10. Please bring your own surfboard, towel, wetsuit (water temp approx 65 degrees), cooler and drinks (alcohol permitted). Flowers will be provided for Paddle Out participants.
SENDING CONDOLENCES TO THE BAKER FAMILY: In lieu of flowers, the Baker family appreciates any donations to be made to one of the following foundations in Dick’s honor:
• SIMA Environmental Fund http://www.sima.com/charitable-funds/environmental-fund.aspx
Checks should be made payable to the SIMA Environmental Fund and mailed to:
SIMA Environmental Fund – Dick Baker Remembrance
8 Argonaut, Ste. 170, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
• SIMA Humanitarian Fund http://www.sima.com/charitable-funds/humanitarian-fund.aspx
Checks should be made payable to the SIMA Humanitarian Fund and mailed to:
SIMA Humanitarian Fund – Dick Baker Remembrance
8 Argonaut, Ste. 170, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
• The San Clemente Educational Foundation
Donate online using the link above, or checks should be made payable to San Clemente Educational Foundation and mailed to:
San Clemente High School
P.O. Box 4538, San Clemente, CA 92674
Cards should be mailed to:
The Baker Family
c/o SIMA
8 Argonaut, Suite 170
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Again, please direct any questions or inquiries to the SIMA office.
SIMA – Surf Industry Manufacturers Association
8 Argonaut, Ste. 170
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Ph: 949.366.1164
Fax: 949.454.1406
