PHIL BECKER.

I have to take time out of my day to write about this legend.

Growing up as a beach bro at heart, I would use my father’s surfboard to practice and catch incredible waves at my local surf spot in Ventura called C street.

I remember catching my first big wave during the passing of a storm out at C street with the board that carried me shaped by Becker himself.

I remember as I caught that wave, the surge of power coming from that wave propelled me fast enough to the point where the board was vibrating and humming, almost singing.

A moment of legit bliss covered me as I rode a clean getaway.

I have always wondered if the shaper of the board was still around and what the human was up to because I wanted to have my own board shaped by them rather than using my old mans.

Time progressed and as I moved my life to Santa Cruz, I had the opportunity and funds for a new board to be shaped for myself.

Upon arrival, news broke that this LEGEND passed. I soon had the realization that this man was the shaper of the board I have always used but never had the time to share and give thanks to the incredible human who has given so much of themselves to their community.

This one is for you Becker!

Thank you for an incredible experience with surfing and the history you shaped.

References

Connelly, L. (2021, May 24). South Bay Surfboard shaper Phil Becker dies at 81. Daily Breeze. Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.dailybreeze.com/2021/03/08/south-bay-surfboard-shaper-phil-becker-dies-at-81-2/.

Phil Becker: Surfing's John Henry lays down his Rockwell Planer. Easy Reader News. (2021, March 8). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://easyreadernews.com/phil-becker-surfings-john-henry-lays-down-his-rockwell-planer/.