Tim Briers is a veritable competition machine… quote from Hunter Joslin, at Tim Briers 2012 East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame induction.

Tim first began surfing at Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach in 1968. His early years were spent hanging out at Shagg’s surf shop where he caught the eye of Dick Catri, who supplied him with boards returned by team riders such as Dick Pollack. Tim progressed quickly and soon started surfing in local ESA contests.

Tim recounts ” Although I had a few wins and high finishes professionally my favorite surfing events were mostly amateur. Number one being my U.S. Championship win in Cape Hatteras in 1978. I won every heat I surfed all the way through the double elimination man on man finals for the victory against Hawaiian Kyle Chu. Pat O’Neill of O’Neill wetsuits was there for the finals with Dick Catri and Bruce Walker (Ocean Avenue) had him sign me on the spot at the Lighthouse right after the event. I was just the second men’s U.S. title holder ever from the East coast (Rick Rasmussen 1974) and the first ever from Florida. *The U.S. Championships during the 70’s and 80’s changed venues every year between the four regions E.S.A. G.C.S.A. W.S.A. And H.S.A.

( My wins in) S.E. Regional titles, State Titles, and District titles (CFL) in every division from Boys, Jr. men, Men, Masters, Sr. Men, and Grand Masters are my fondest memories.”

Tim was on Bruce Walker’s formidable Ocean Avenue Surf Team – along with Matt Kechele, Jeff Klugel, Jackie Grayson, Bill Hartley and others who dominated Sebastian Inlet during its glory days.

Tim currently rides Kechele surfboards exclusively. Matt counts Briers as one of his best friends, ” Timmy is an iconic top surfer and southern gentleman who was also a top longboarder with a great style”. Matt noted that Tim and Pete Hodgson were at the 1983 Stubbies Trials contest when they had to rescue a surfer who was struck by lightning, saving his life.

Tim recently donated a number of his personal items to the Florida Surf Museum. They include a Tim Briers model Ocean Avenue surfboard shaped by Greg Loehr, his 1978 US Open 1st place trophy in the men’s division as well as a snazzy Ocean Avenue Team track suit. We are very pleased to add these items to our collection. Mahalo, Tim, for your generous donation.

 

 

Watch Briers’ East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame induction below-