Former 5x Surfing Champ, Mark Richards & Jay (©photo:Rosenblatt)
On July 20th I got a call from my good friend & local surf icon, Vince Troniec from Spellbinders Surf Shop in Allenhurst, NJ. Â Vince told me of a last minute visit by former World Champion Surfer, Mark Richard, AKA: “M.R.” scheduled in the shop and he wanted to make sure I didn’t miss it…Thanks Vince!!
M.R. is an icon in surfing, helping to break down doors and pave the wave for what surfing has become today. Â He’s one of the my favorite old school surfers with a style that has stood the test of time and still inspires me.
Some of the guys in the shop told Mark about my art and I gave him one of my postcards to check out. Â He paused for a bit to examine it and gave me some really genuine and kind compliments. He proceeded to ask me about my techniques and preferred mediums and signed a classic MR surf poster for me.
I am sure I acted like a total goofball fan despite my attempts to act ‘cool’…but that’s ok, he’s freakin’ M.R!  I asked for his blessing for me to do a painting inspired by him, I hope to hear back soon…Fingers crossed!  🙂
