Modern Surfmen

I remember Bob "Aquadoc" Beaton, long time Great Lakes surfer and historian, recalling tales of the old "Surfmen" - surf and beach safety personnel in the early 19th century who were known for saving the lives of countless people. The equivalent of today's lifeguards, I suppose.

Unfortunately, we are missing the latter at most public beaches in the Great Lakes these days. That, the lack of serious education among the general public, and very real danger in the form of heavy rip currents on big wind and wave days combine to be an often deadly mix.

This is where surfers have, do, and will continue to be an invaluable asset to their local communities.

Case in point: Saturday August 1, 2009 in Grand Haven, Michigan - South winds to 30 knots and heavy pier bounce waves create a predictable rip that sucks straight out off the pier. As reported by the local TV station, here's what happened next.

The preferred dress and mode of transportation have changed, but little else has in the decades since this photo was taken; for some, the lure of heavy water is simply too hard to resist.