Florida's Last Beach Bum Lived in a Van Until He Died Surfing

[TexasTowelie]

Dana Brown surfed every day except Saturday, based on his strict interpretation of the Bible.
Photos courtesy of Bob Brown

The surfboard bobbed in the rolling waves off Huntington Beach, its fins facing toward the darkening sky. At first, the other surfers — at least a dozen of them, all soaking up the last bit of sunlight that late Sunday afternoon — didn't notice. Then the yelling began.

"Hey!" came a voice, shouting over the surf. "Hey! Hey! In the water, something just happened to him!"

One of the surfers headed for the empty yellow board. Tethered to it was a man in a black wetsuit, facedown in the Pacific as the waves rolled over him. When the surfer pulled the man onto the surface, his body was limp. His head lolled.

Others paddled over to help. They flipped the man onto his back and saw the shock of a long, white beard. Together they loaded him onto his surfboard and pushed it through the waves to shore.

Read more: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/floridas-last-beach-bum-lived-in-a-van-until-he-died-surfing-9051399

[ghostsinthemachine]

1. Wow, the history of Florida surfing

Great story.

[hibbing]

2. Fascinating article, thanks for posting! n/t

[TexasTowelie]

3. You're welcome.

I was called a beach bum myself since I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. I really didn't care for the beach because of the salt water. I also don't have a mane of hair in either front or back--I consider myself fortunate that my hairline hasn't receded though.

[monmouth4]

4. Thank you for posting this most excellent story. I loved it..n/t

[TexasTowelie]

5. You're welcome.

These dang human interest stories get to me and a lot of other DUers.