Dewey Weber was a legendary surfer, a pioneer of longboard design, and a neon sign of surfing. He was known for his wild, athletic maneuvers that pushed longboard surfing to new heights. He appeared in many surfing films and magazines, and inspired generations of surfers with his passion and style. But how did he die, and what was his legacy?
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The Early Years of Dewey Weber
Dewey Weber was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1938, and moved to Manhattan Beach, California, when he was five. He learned to surf at a young age, and caught the eye of Dale Velzy, a famous surfer and surfboard maker, who sponsored him to ride his boards. Weber also excelled in other sports, such as wrestling and yo-yo. He became a national yo-yo champion and a CIF wrestling champion, and even qualified for the Olympic wrestling team, but was injured before the games.
Weber made his first trip to Hawaii in 1957, where he perfected his personal surfing style. He was nicknamed “The Little Man on Wheels” for his intricate footwork and radical moves on the board. He was featured in many surfing films, such as Slippery When Wet, Cat on a Hot Foam Board, and Walk on the Wet Side. He also became a symbol of the surfing lifestyle, and a part of the group of people who turned their backs on society in the hedonistic pursuit of the perfect wave.
The Surfing Business of Dewey Weber
Dewey Weber was not only a surfer, but also a businessman. He started his own surfboard company, Dewey Weber Surfboards, in 1960, and became one of the most successful and influential surfboard manufacturers in the world. He was one of the first to use foam instead of wood, and created groundbreaking longboard designs, such as the Performer, the Feather, and the Stylist. He also opened several surf shops, and promoted longboard competitions and events.
Weber’s surfboards were popular and sought-after by many surfers, both professional and amateur. He had a loyal team of riders, who wore his logo and represented his brand. He also had a loyal fan base, who admired his surfing skills and charisma. He was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame, and his image became the logo of the United States Surfing Association.
The Final Years of Dewey Weber
Dewey Weber’s life was not without challenges and setbacks. He struggled with a drinking problem, a divorce, and the death of his father. He also faced the rise of the shortboard revolution, which threatened his longboard business and popularity. He tried to adapt to the changing trends, and produced some short boards as well, but his longboards remained his signature products.
Weber also developed a love for the ocean, and built a two-man swordfishing boat. He spent much of his time at sea, fishing and surfing. He died on January 6, 1993, of heart failure, at the age of 53. He was found dead in his surf shop in Hermosa Beach, where he had been living. His death was widely reported in the media, and mourned by the surfing community.
The Legacy of Dewey Weber
Dewey Weber left a lasting mark on the surfing world, and his surfboards are still considered as classics and collectibles. His widow, Caroline, and his sons, Shea and Corey, revived his surfboard company, and continue to operate it in San Clemente. Shea also opened a new Dewey Weber retail location in San Luis Obispo in 2020, selling new surfboards, clothing, and accessories.
Weber’s surfing style and spirit are also remembered and celebrated by many surfers, who regard him as one of the greatest and most influential surfers of all time. His life and achievements are documented in books, films, and articles, such as the biography The Little Man on Wheels: The Life and Times of Dewey Weber, by Gerald Derloshon, and the documentary The Dewey Weber Story, by Mark Jeremias. In 2015, the city of Hermosa Beach unveiled a sculpture inspired by a photo of Dewey Weber taken by surf photographer Leroy Grannis, as a tribute to his legacy.
Dewey Weber was a legend, a pioneer, and a neon sign of surfing. He lived his life searching for the perfect wave, and died of heart failure. He was the Little Man on Wheels, and he will never be forgotten.
