MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Dozens of surfers along Florida’s Space Coast are honoring the man who has been called “the Godfather of East Coast Surfing.”
Surfers were holding what’s known as a “paddle out” Saturday for Dick Catri in the waters off the Sebastian Inlet State Park along Florida’s Space Coast.
A “paddle out” is a time-honored tradition that is basically a floating memorial service for a surfer.
Fellow surfers swim out on their surfboards and generally hold hands as they honor the life of the deceased person.
Catri died last month at the age of 79.
As a representative for a surfboard manufacturer in the 1960s, Catri established a team of surfers who won competitions along the Eastern Seaboard.
He also promoted surfing contests.
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