Advice: Thank you, Laguna Beach Surf Tribe Ohana!

By Roger Butow

Our deepest thanks go to those who helped plan, organize, mass broadcast and coordinate the final paddle out for Laguna’s iconic surfing legend Corky Smith. It took place at noon, on his favorite Brooks Street reef on June 1.

In the classic Aquarius bobbing prayer circle, his ashes were scattered by his eldest of two sons, Erik. His other son, Kurt, was a key figure in our ad hoc committee that led and organized the memorial event. Kurt was kind enough to bring 50 flower wreaths for the attendees.

Corky loved Laguna. It took a powerful crowbar or an emergency to get him to even drive away from the city he loved as much and as intensely as anyone I have ever met in my 52 years here. The only exception was the airport when it was a trip to the Hawaiian Islands.

For those who don’t know, a paddle out is a spiritual, cultural and emotional ritual, an ancient ceremony when someone we love passes away. It is not meant to be a disappointment, but a joyful occasion.

While it allows for public grief, it also provides a time and place for “talking stories,” a verbal exchange of histories, in appreciation of “kahunas” like Corky.

It’s actually a relatively recent phenomenon, originating about 100 years ago and likely originated by the Waikiki Beach Boy clan from Honolulu.

In my opinion, other key contributors (although not asked to be named) deserve special recognition.

His ex-wife, Linda Bailey, told me the news in the early morning hours after his transition late in the evening of January 21, 2024. Our call inspired me to ‘wikiwiki’, to act quickly and put together a kind of working group of friends and family members.

I reached out and together, with Linda and Kurt’s blessing, we broke the news of his passing and immediately began planning a paddle-out and some form of celebration of life to follow.

This included a location that made sense given who he was and what he meant to our community.

From there, Brooks Street for the final paddle out of his journey, and then onto the Sandpiper Lounge (aka The Dirty Bird) as inevitable choices.

Besides Linda, Kurt and Erik, big mahalos to Brian Wisely and Brandy Faber. I leaned heavily on Mark Klosterman, our former Chief of Marine Safety.

Mark, himself a native of Laguna, provided me with much-needed guidance regarding the historical context and basic rules and principles of this tradition in Laguna.

Thank you, Chuck Harrell of The Dirty Bird, for opening the door early and organizing the follow-up paddle out.

A special shout out goes to Tracy Sizemore (Tracy Sizemore Photography), a Laguna native who volunteered and took on the task of being the visual archivist for the day.

Not only did he provide a photo chronicle, but he also helped me identify and caption an abbreviated slideshow for my other online memorial columns dedicated to Corky’s legendary presence.

Not only did he provide a photographic record, but he also helped me identify and caption an abbreviated slideshow for my other online memorial columns dedicated to Corky’s legendary presence.

Go to this link. There you will find an inventory of photos with a slideshow that locals might enjoy.

Tip: Tap the photo in the gallery for a close-up and in the top right corner is an arrow that leads to a slideshow.

Finally, I would like to personally thank the Laguna Beach Independent for working with me on the three columns they published. In a sense, they contributed as the columns reinforced, enhanced, and expanded online socialization related to Corky and the post-mortem activities.

Personally, I believe this media outlet understands what makes locals tick and what drives our lifestyle. Always generous with guest columns and letters to the editor, I consider them the “Pulse of Laguna”, our best and most reliable news source.

Once again, a final aloha to my dear friend and irreplaceable fellow eco-warrior, Briggs Christian Morris-Smith.

If there is a “Happy Hunting Ground”, an afterlife, I hope there was a reef break with perfect six to eight footers on arrival. Perhaps Dick Dale (King Of The Surf Guitar) and Jimi Hendrix figure prominently on the ambient sound mix list.

If I’m lucky, I hope to see you smiling in line when I walk in, my bruddha.

Roger “Gonzo” Butow is a prolific, often transgressive journalist and 52-year-old Laguna Beach resident. He is the co-founder and executive director of the non-incorporated organization known as Clean Water Now.

He is a retired general contractor and has worked as a professional consultant in the field of land use planning and regulatory compliance since 2010. He also advises in the field of the environment and construction.

You can find his contact details at www.schoon-water-nu.org.