SEAN COLLINS INDUCTED INTO SURFING WALK OF FAME Surfline founder honored alongside Ho, Brewer, Peterson and more in HB By Mike CianciulliPhotos by Billy Watts

SEAN COLLINS INDUCTED INTO SURFING WALK OF FAME

Surfline founder honored alongside Ho, Brewer, Peterson and more in HB

By Mike Cianciulli

Photos by Billy Watts

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• Published:August 2, 2012
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• Surfline's late founder, Sean Collins, was honored at the 19th annual Surfing Walk of Fame on Thursday in Huntington Beach.
  

During a ceremony Thursday morning, Surfline's Sean Collins, who passed away unexpectedly last December, received the Surf Culture Award in the 19th annual induction ceremony for the Surfing Walk of Fame. 

Emcee and former World Champion Peter "PT" Townend presented the award, stating, "Sean had a profound effect on the entire surfing world. He had a passion and lived to tell us all where the waves were good. All those amazing surf photos and movies we all watch? They're partly due to Sean Collins putting people in the right place at the right time." 

The Collins family -- Darren and sons Tyler and A.J. -- were onstage to accept the award in Sean's honor. Tyler, Sean's eldest son, stepped up and said a few words: "His life spoke more powerfully than I or anyone ever could on his behalf," Tyler explained during his heartfelt speech. "Sean was an incredible father, surfer and businessman, but more importantly, a friend. He chased waves because it was his passion. But he went on to dedicate his life to giving others what he loved most."

Also recognized was the late Michael Peterson, legendary shaper Dick Brewer, Pipeline Master Mike Ho, Alisa Schwarzstein-Cairns, Local Hero George Draper and Stacy Wood.

"Michael Peterson was Australia's greatest surfer when Rabbit [Wayne Bartholomew] and I were growing up," PT remembered. Then Peterson's mother took the stage and shared a story about MP getting third in his first surf contest at age 10.

"Sean chased waves because it was his passion. But he went on to dedicate his life to giving others what he loved most."

-- Sean Collins' son Tyler

"I told him don't come home again with a third or even a second," Joan Peterson laughed. "I only want you to be first place."

Coco Ho, straight in from a heat at the US Open, was pleased to introduce her father Michael Ho to the crowd during a special moment. And Uncle Mike went on to humbly thank everyone in Huntington who had been their for him and his family over the years and also give props to Ben Aipa, fellow inductee Dick Brewer, PT and David Nuuhiwa (all of whom were in attendance) for their pivotal roles in his career.

And once the Walk of Fame induction wrapped up, thoughts turned towards the other side of Main Street for Friday's Hall of Fame ceremony where Dane Reynolds, Rabbit Kekai and Andy Verdone will put their hands and feet in Huntington's immortal pavement. Sean Collins was inducted there back in 2008, which means after today, his legacy will always live on, especially at the nexus of Surf City USA.