2024 Silver Skater Honorees
From Left to Right: The 2024 Silver Skater honorees from left: Frank Nasworthy, Curt Stevenson for his father Larry Stevenson, Herbie Fletcher, Tom “Wart” Craig, Michael Mel and Dean Torrance.
2024 Recipients
Tom “Wart” Craig
In 1958 began collecting surfing and skating memorabilia preserving items chronicling development of both sports. In 1963 took first place in a Valley Vista skateboarding event. Is a charter member of the South Bay Skateboard Club. A Bing Copeland skateboard team member. In 1964 featured in the first edition of Skateboarder Magazine.
Herbie Fletcher
A 1957 skateboarder. In 1962 started making skateboards in wood shop at school. In 1963 skated swimming pools. Is a coach and mentor. Has filmed his sons who have perfected aerial skate moves while surfing on waves.
Photo: Ron Stoner
Frank Nasworthy
In 1973 started Cadillac polyurethane wheels — the major step in skateboard evolution. Has a degree in Applied Mechanics from the University of California San Diego. Continues inventing and creating.
Micheal Mel
In 1965 was the star actor in short film “Skaterdater” — a 1966 Academy Award nominee and 1966 Grand Prize winner at the Cannes Film Festival. Was a 1965 member of Hobie Skateboard Team.Contest winner White Front Open, South Bay Skateboard Championship, Santa Monica Surf Festival.
Skater DaterGo to https://surfmuseum.org/archive-events/silver-skater-awards-2024/ for photos from this wonderful event! It was a night to remember!
Be sure to visit CSM’s YouTube Channel to see all of the interviews from this night!
Larry Stevenson
Richard Lawrence "Larry" Stevenson (RIP) was an American Skateboarder. He was the inventor of the kicktail, the bent-upwards end of a skateboard, which made most of today's skateboarding tricks possible and essentially revolutionized the sport. Wikipedia
Considered the Father of the Skateboard. Started Surf Guide Magazine. In 1963 created Makaha Skateboards believing skateboarding naturally meshed with the surfing culture.
Of Jan & DeanDean Torrance
In 1964 with partner Jan Berry had the hit song “Sidewalk Surfin” with the lyrics “Grab your board and go sidewalk surfin with me.” Enjoyed a career as a graphic artist and designer of numerous classic record album covers. In 1996 Jan and Dean were inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame.
Sources: Todd Huber, Brian Logan, Garry Scott Davis, California Surf Museum, and Skateboarding Hall of Fame