MIKE MORGAN'S WAVE OF THE DAY

MEMORIAL PADDLE OUT

DECEMBER 22, 2011, SOUTH SIDE SEAL AT DAWN

About Morgan

Like a lot of surfers that grew up in the Long Beach/Seal Beach area, Morgan was first immersed in the surf biz working behind the counter at Harbour Surfboards. He spent his high school years splitting time between being an all-star football player and nurturing his burgeoning passion for riding waves. “He was always a surfer at heart, he never hung with the jocks and cheerleaders. The football coach told him that surfing was going to ruin his life... boy was he wrong.”

Mike, better known to all as “Morgan,” was a nationally ranked surfer in the early eighties. His talent landed him a coveted spot on the prestigious NSSA National Team. He moved on from his amateur career and became a world class longboarder. From there, he went on to become an integral part of Chuck Dent Surfboards as well as a coach and overall proponent of youth surfing.
However, Morgan’s popularity in the sport was not generated from contest results. In the mid nineties, he started announcing the NSSA Jr. events, and became the official “Voice” of the Nationals. Morgan became a fixture at NSSA events every weekend either judging or calling the play by play.

His passion for the sport was huge and that translated through his commentary. You could feel the excitement. His sense of humor was sometimes relentless and his quick on the trigger. Tongue-in-cheek remarks would sometimes get him into hot water, but it was all done in fun.

Morgan was renowned, alongside his close friend, Rick “Rockin’ Fig” Fignetti, as the voice of Surf City, where he announced literally every surf competition to pass through town, including the US Open of Surfing, over the past 15 years. The Long Beach resident was considered to be the Chick Hearn of surfing.

Morgan’s Paddle Out

In 2005, news of the 44-year-old’s untimely passing sent shockwaves throughout the surfing community, especially in his Orange County stomping grounds. To countless surfers worldwide, both pros and bros, he was a clear example of what surfing really is. “He was a dawn patrol maniac. “Thirty minutes before first light-he was the first guy in the water at the pier, for the past 20-years!” says Chris Waring.

Any surfer that ever ran into him in the lineup can attest to his ability to initiate a long-winded conversation, then snag the biggest, best set wave of the day. He was without question a shining example of just how great the surfing life can be.

As word of his death spread, it was as though there had been a death in the family and that family was the entire NSSA membership and staff. Over 300 surfers paddled out on the south side of the HB Pier -many more lined the pier - to pay tribute to one of Huntington's classic characters. "There was almost too many people to have one circle," said Surfline's Sean Collins, who paddled out with local legends and groms alike. "We all sat on our boards, at first in a really big circle. His friends took turns holding up Mike's board and yelling."

Rockin' Fig, Mike's longtime friend and contest announcer partner, stood on a longboard, hoisted Mike's board overhead and started chanting "Morgan! Morgan! Morgan!" as the circle became unglued and everyone paddled in closer.

There were flowers everywhere, and more than a few dings as everyone paddled closer into the center of the circle and started splashing the water. "People were crying and laughing," said photographer Chris Sardelis. "Morgan, in his own way, brought all of us together. I saw longboarders sitting and hugging shortboarders. Guys that hate each other in the water, came together and held hands."

Sean Collins agrees. "There was so much energy in the water it was amazing.”

Morgan’s Wave of the Day Paddleout Fundraiser

Mike left us suddenly, passing away in his sleep leaving the surf community at a huge loss as well as in shock. Mike’s contribution to the cities of Seal Beach and Huntington Beach for his donated services for their annual city surf events as well as the professional surf scene are greatly missed and the Morgan’s Wave of the Day event is our way of giving back. Its the celebration and memorial of Mike Morgans life but to also raise funds to those who have been effected by the tragedy and loss of the Seal Beach 8 this past year.

Mike’s spirit still lives. Mention his name at pier and people smile. people who knew him, always have a positve upbeat story about Mike. Hawaiians have Eddie, North Cal has Jay, Orange County has Mike Morgan.

Every year a paddle out on winter solstice, will raise funds for local charity in Mike's honor.

Funds raised through t-shirt sales and other donations will be given to local charities. Seal Beach Victim’s Fund will receive the funds raised from t-shirt sales this year, 2011.Sponsors of the Event Include:

Graphic Ink, Corp. / Bogart's coffee
Harbour Surfboards
Kanvas by Katin/ SugarShack/ Seal Beach Lifeguards Asssociation
Stamps Surfboards
McCabe Surfboards
Chuck Dent/ 17th st surfshop
Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce
Quiksilver / Harbour Owner Society
HSS