By Taylor Colby
Mitch Kaufmann’s short film about Jacksonville surf legend Terry DeLoach premiered at Beaches Museum on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The evening was sponsored by Rock Solid Law & Title and De Maine Wealth Management. The event had a great turnout. Beach and surf enthusiasts gathered to view the film, share their own stories, enjoy some refreshments and hear DeLoach speak about his unique surf experiences and love for Jacksonville Beach.
John McE. Miller, founding attorney of Rock Solid Law & Title, and Cortlin De Maine, wealth adviser for De Maine Wealth Management, introduced their businesses and welcomed everyone to the event. Miller introduced Kaufmann and his film. Kaufmann, a well-known surf legend, grew up with DeLoach and shared some stories about him before showing the film. Kaufmann said that he and DeLoach went to school together and reconnected because of their shared love for surfing.
The film called DeLoach a “Renaissance man,” and followed his successful surf and modeling career as well as his involvement in the arts and community at the beaches. After the film viewing, DeLoach spoke about his life experiences. He said that he was “very fortunate to grow up in this beach community.” He started surfing around 10 years old and had to wear a bike helmet out on the waves because his mother was worried about him getting hit by the board.
DeLoach said that in the early days of surfing, there were only longboards. He said he has seen the evolution of surf boards over the years. He got to surf and compete in some of the most iconic surf spots in Mexico, California and Hawaii.
Following his pro surfing career and six-year modeling career in Europe, he wanted to give back to the community and served as the planning commissioner for 23 years and is currently serving on the Beach’s Art Committee. One of the first things he did as planning commissioner was to suggest that palm trees be planted in the area, and he encouraged investment in the iconic bronze dolphin sculpture at Oceanfront Park.
DeLoach said Jacksonville Beach is not the same beach he grew up in. It has changed a lot over the years. However, it remains a place he loves and kept returning to despite all of his travels.
When asked about his experience with art, DeLoach said that he did airbrush work and painting. Some of his paintings have been featured in a gallery and he has sold paintings off and on. He said that he still loves to paint and that he enjoys serving on the arts committee.
“It’s been really a lot of fun,” he said.
When asked, DeLoach humbly spoke about his experience with surfing competitions and getting to be a part of the Hobie Surf Team.
“If it’s in your blood, you just love it,” he said about the competition.
DeLoach’s favorite place to surf is Hawaii. When asked about sharks, he laughed and said, “I’d rather not run into one.” He said that he has seen quite a few sharks while surfing and that the best thing to do is just leave. “Although I love Shark Week,” he added, causing the audience to laugh.
DeLoach sparked up some good conversations with the audience as well about the future of surfing and discussed the controversy of wave pools. They will likely change the next generation of surfing dramatically.
The film screening was a success and guests enjoyed learning about Jacksonville’s iconic surf scene and DeLoach’s story. Beaches Museum plans to host more events like this in the future to promote the arts and share more about Jacksonville’s surf culture.