Sadly, I just found out we lost a giant, an icon, and a true statesman in the surfing community - Mr. Mike Martin. I first met Mike not long after moving here in 1970 and through the years our friendship grew as we shared various exploits that even included me driving him to Magic games in Orlando in exchange for court side tickets (he was a inaugural season ticket holder). Mike developed diabetes about 20 or so years ago and I think ultimately that led to his passing. He was an avid surfer and supporter of our local surf-related causes. He was a founding member of the Smyrna Surfari Club. Mike got involved with professional surfing in the early 80's and was appointed the first head judge of the ASP when it was formed in 1983. Mike went on to travel the world representing the USA along with South African Tim Williams and Australian Terry Day as the 3 main ASP judges sending me postcards and letters and bringing back posters and surf wear that I still have to this day.
I wish I could have said good bye but will attend the paddle out that I know will take place for him. We lost a good guy....
