5th Anniversary of Huntington Beach Surfer’s Passing
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Huntington Beach local Rick Fignetti – known as Rockin Fig to his friends and fans – was a surfer’s surfer and a hometown legend in Surf City USA. On Saturday, one week before the US Open of Surfing begins (July 25 - August 2), the town came out at the HB Pier to honor his legacy and the 5th anniversary of his passing July 16, 2021.
In memory of Fig, SurfWriter Girls are reposting an edited version of the following Surfrider Sponsor Story we wrote about him in March 2015:
Huntington Beach's Own Surf Legend.
Along with multiple surfing championships and a surf board shop on Main Street…
Huntington Beach local Rick (Rockin Fig) Fignetti is in both the Surfers’ Hall of Fame and the Surfing Walk of Fame.
Anyone in earshot of Fig is likely to recognize his voice from his many years on the radio as KROQ’s Surfologist.
Or as the longtime announcer of the U.S. Open of Surfing (19 years in a row).
Fig’s life revolves around surfing whether it’s catching waves on the north side of the HB Pier, hanging out at Rockin Fig Surf Headquarters (316 Main Street), sponsoring the Fig Team Riders surfers, or mentoring the local groms.
Whenever SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel see Fig at beach events he’s always right in the middle of everything, lending a hand and helping to represent the community.
Fig has made the Rockin Fig surf shop more than a place to find boards and accessories.
It’s a meeting place where everyone from beginning surfers to surfing legends can stop by to share stories and talk about the sport they love. If you’re lucky enough to be in the shop on a day that Fig is there get ready for a warm welcome and a chance to learn a lot about surfing.
Tony
Soriano, Surfrider Foundation
Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter Chairperson, says, “Fig is a real surf community
hero, who supports Surfrider and a clean environment of our oceans, waves and
beaches"
In an age when so many celebrities seem superficial and
manufactured by the media it’s clear that Rockin Fig is the real deal.
As this year's US Open of Surfing unfolds in the coming week, Fig's presence will be felt by all who knew him.
Sunny
Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted
material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com
Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites
as long as credit is given.
