For several years there was a large sign posted on the west side of the pier that said “No surfing within 300 feet of the pier”. It was rarely enforced. Once every so often, a policeman would get the idea to arrest a few surfers, so they would catch a few guys as they rode to the beach, put them in a little holding cell, call their parents, etc., then nothing would happen for another year or two.
The time came where the county wanted to make a decision once and for all – should surfing be allowed, or not?
Lots of surfers went to the county commissioner meetings. Some complained, some got emotional, some pleaded our case. But one guy who made a huge difference, is the guy pictured here – David Bogan. David calmly, methodically and rationally took the time to visit every single commissioners office and explained the importance of keeping the west side of the pier open to surfers – forever. Whatever he said, worked! We have had that side of the pier free to surf ever since. Unfortunately, we can’t thank Dave because he passed away from a brain tumor in 2007. However, next time you are enjoying a surf at the pier, just think of David.