Dale Webster is Core

“My attitude was always, If I can just get to the beach, the rest of the day will take care of itself.” - Dale Webster

The word core is a word that gets tossed around rather lightly these days, especially within the action-sports industry. For the most part, whether used in regards to athletes, clothing brands, magazines, or even websites, we all like to think of ourselves as being core. Whether it’s surfing, skating, snowboarding, all of the above or any other activity that we choose to immerse ourselves in, we all want to believe and we all tell ourselves that we do what we do with pure motives and unbridled passion of the sports that we love. So how exactly do we define being “core”? For me it’s pretty simple, it’s based on a new standard that’s been set over the past 33 years or so. He hails from Bodega Bay, Ca., his passion for what he does is unmatched, his motives are as pure as we’ll ever come across, his name is Dale Webster.

Most of us are familiar with the story of Mr. Webster. He is the 59 yr. old elementary school worker who began making it his daily quest, and eventually his life quest to make it out into the ocean and catch at least three waves every single day since 1975. It’s an amazing, astonishing story to say the least, and upon seeing a post by Drew Kampion at Surfer’s Path that Dale’s streak recently surpassed 33 years on Sept. 3, I couldn’t help but send Dale the highest regards from 5ones for reaching this milestone mark.

I find it ironic that I’m sitting here writing this on a morning where I chose to back out of my planned dawn-patrol trip due to a typical Central American September rain squall. The driving rain that sent me scurrying back to my bed would have done nothing to deter Dale Webster from paddling out. The 80 degree air, 80 degree water, offshore winds, and head-high swell would most likely be a welcome change for the man who has spent over three decades surfing the bitter-cold waters of Northern California. Dale Webster simply loves to surf, and there hasn’t been anything in over 33 years that could stop him from doing just that.

dale webster

Next time you’re having second thoughts about heading out for a session, whatever the reason for your hesitation might be, just remember: Dale Webster would go.

Posted by Shaun on Friday, September 19th, 2008 in Surfing.