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Mike Doyle, an iconic surfer known for his big-wave skills, innovations and flamboyant style, was inducted into the 2013 Surfer's Hall of Fame in Hermosa Beach. (Photo courtesy of Doyle Surfboards)
Mike Doyle has passed way in his sleep aged 78. Doyle was a waterman and inventor being one of the best surfers in the world during the 50’s and 60’s winning a Duke Kahanamoku title and the West Coast Surfboard Championship. He was also a boardmaker, wax and a mono ski believed to be the forerunner of the snowboard. He was a member of the Surfers’ Hall of Fame and Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, inducted to both in 2003.
Doyle worked as an apprentice to Velzy and Noll building balsa boards in 1959. Apparently he sold Kathy Kohner, aka “Gidget,” her first surfboard in 1956 and then worked as a stunt double in “Gidget” in 1959.
Doyle used the boogie board material used by his from Tom Morey for the first soft-top board ever made the Morey Doyle in 1970, the same boards that countless beginners use in waves today.
“Probably no man alive has gone on more surf adventures than I have, yet I still haven’t had enough. If the conditions are right, I’ll walk away from anything to spend a day in the water with my friends.”
Doyle surfboards said
“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to tell everyone the Legendary Waterman, Mike Doyle has passed away. Mike slipped away peacefully in his sleep early this morning at his home on Gringo Hill, with his loving wife, Annie right by his side.
It is a beautiful day here in San Jose, the waves are perfect and we know Mike is in Heaven with a smile on his face, surfing an endless wave. Please know Mike was at peace when he passed and he knew his mom and dad would be there to greet him at heavens gate.”
