Imagine paddling out on a beautiful winter day at Pensacola Beach way back in January, 1975. This is what you would probably see: Yancy Spencer III in full flight, flying right past you.
He would have paddled out before you, and probably would have surfed longer than you. In fact, you most likely chose where you surfed because you spotted his van at the Cross, the pier, 17th Ave, etc., and figured Yancy had already found the best spot.
He would paddle out with the newest, coolest equipment. He would have a few boards in his van that he would try throughout the course of the day.
You would be inspired. His style would be smooth as silk. His timing and balance impeccable.
He would later tell you he got the BEST wave of his life that day. If he talked with you and realized you missed it, he would tell you it was the BEST day he’d ever seen, and that he was really sorry you missed it.
Roger Wood once said “Yancy is a marvel”. It was true. He lived a different life than the rest of us.
I miss him.
Thanks to Dave Skelton for not letting moments like this get away from us.