ESM is heartbroken to report that true East Coast legend and iconic Outer Banks lensman Mickey McCarthy passed away on December 23rd, 2016. Mickey suffered a heart attack several days ago and was airlifted to Norfolk General Hospital, where doctors found a 100% closed coronary artery. A stint was put in and the artery was cleared, with Mickey reporting to friends and family on Wednesday in his hearty Southern drawl that he was feeling great and ready to go home. But complications resulted in Mickey’s tragic passing Friday morning.
Mickey McCarthy, on duty at ESA Easterns. Photo: Tom Dugan
Mickey was a legendary figure on the East Coast, photographing damn near every good day on the Outer Banks from the mid ’60s onward, contributing to the early growth and continued success of the Eastern Surfing Association (even serving as their official photographer over the last few years), and hand-crafting thousands of beautiful, functional shapes under the New Sun Surfboards label. Although Mickey didn’t move to Kill Devil Hills with his beautiful wife Betsy until 1981, he immediately became one of Dare County’s greatest ambassadors, mixing an astute photographic eye with one of the biggest smiles, heartiest laughs, and warmest hearts in all of surfing. That bestowed upon Mickey true bona fide legend status — in every sense of the word.
Mickey’s beloved Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in its original location, photographed from above in February 1999. Photo: McCarthy
Mickey’s sudden passing will be mourned for years, but his spirit lives on in every grom who traveled to Cape Hatteras for Easterns and every grown-up who gets a glassy cover-up at Avalon Pier. Stay tuned as we add more memories of Mickey below, along with information on memorial services and tributes. For now, say a prayer for Mickey’s wife Betsy and the rest of his family on this difficult holiday weekend.
“To say that Mickey will be missed doesn’t even come close to expressing the love and sorrow his many, many friends in surfing have for him right now. Condolences to his family and all who knew 2M — truly, truly another one of the good guys gone.” –ESM Co-Founder/Photo Editor Emeritus Dick “Mez” Meseroll.”
“The hands that gave so much joy to so many others for so many years either riding waves on his boards, capturing them through the lens of his camera, building a home for them, or just getting that handshake/hug and the big smile every time you met up with him. RIP 2M.” -Mez
“So saddened to hear we have lost one of the kindest and generous members of the surf community. Mickey, I always joked, was Santa Claus on vacation in the Outer Banks. Always looked forward to seeing and catching up with him when I would chase swells up there. My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends!” –North Carolina photographer DJ Struntz
Mickey doin’ work at the 43rd Annual ESA Easterns. Photo: Dugan
“A mentor, a brother, an absolute God amongst our community, Mickey McCarthy has passed and is off to look after each and every one of us from the heavens above. Mickey shaped me some of the best and most innovative surfboards I have ever ridden, and he singlehandedly carried my surf ‘career’ with his incredible photography. He was the kindest, most humble, loving, and inspiring human I have ever had the fine fortune of calling a true brother and so so very influential in my life as a boy growing into a young man — unconditionally, he was always there for me and for all of us. I had the most incredible conversation with him yesterday, sharing a few laughs and tears, and I will remain forever grateful for the last time we spoke and what we spoke of throughout that conversation. Make this holiday count with your friends and family, folks, there truly is no guarantee… rest in peace Mick, and thank you for being you — heaven received a true one of a kind and I know you’re in great company smiling down brother! Condolences to his amazing wife Betsy McCarthy, friends and family. rest easy you absolute legend!”
Mickey helped to cultivate the careers of many Outer Banks standouts, stretching all the way back to guys like Pat McManus, seen here with his ESA trophy circa 1985. Photo: Mickey McCarthy
Another beautiful, functional New Sun Surfboard hand-shaped by Mickey and ready for action at his beloved Avalon Pier, February 1988. Photo: McCarthy
Up close and personal with Mickey’s infectious smile. Photo: Dugan
RIP Mickey — you will be sorely missed, but your spirit will live on forever. Photo: Dugan
![[caption id="attachment_7791" align="alignnone" width="960"]<img class="size-large wp-image-7791" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/GaryGermainHurricaneEmmy76_mez-1024x675.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="633" /> “Newly chosen East Coast Surfing Hall Of Fame president, New Jerseys Gary Germain, will be the first to tell you he is humbled and that he has an extra large pair of sandals to fill in replacing Cecil Lear, but he’s never been afraid of a challenge – or drop – too big and he will no doubt be a great addition to the ECSHOF governing body and running the point. Photo: Mez[/caption]
<hr />
The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Board of Directors has announced its unanimous election of <strong>Gary Germain</strong> as President effective May 13, 2017. Germain is currently President of the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame, a position he will hold through its 2017 Induction Ceremony on Friday, May 12. Germain, who hails from Rumson, New Jersey, has been serving in this capacity since July 2015.
Germain will succeed <strong>Cecil Lear, </strong>the only President of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame during its 21 years. Lear has served brilliantly since he founded the organization in 1996 with big wave pioneer Greg Noll. Lear is well known and beloved throughout the East Coast for his dedication to the development of surfing through the Hall of Fame and as co-founder of the Eastern Surfing Association 50 years ago. Lear will remain on the voting Board as President Emeritus.
[caption id="attachment_7794" align="alignleft" width="229"]<img class="wp-image-7794 size-medium" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/e164374a-920b-4a0e-86ed-4373627c3baf-229x300.jpg" alt="" width="229" height="300" /> After 21 years as President of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame, Cecil Lear (left) will hand over the title to Gary Germain (right) upon completion of Germain’s two-year term as President of the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame in May. Coincidentally, Lear and Germain both hail from the beaches of New Jersey. Photo courtesy Bruce Chrisner.[/caption]
“I am absolutely thrilled with the Board’s selection of Gary Germain, whom I have known for many years,” commented Lear, who then continued, “In addition to being a great surfer, tremendous athlete and a fine person, Gary has done a terrific job organizing and leading the New Jersey group while building tremendous public awareness and industry support for the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame. I am confident that Gary will bring his passion and dedication for the sport, his vision, leadership skills and talents to achieving the mission we established for the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame years ago.”
Germain began surfing in 1967, and in 1972 he won the first surf contest he ever entered. He continued to develop his talents and surfing competitively in Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) events while shaping and building surfboards under his G-Force label, before getting involved with the ESA as director for the North New Jersey district in 1980. Germain’s business career has taken him outside the sport but never away from surfing. He continues to surf today and travels to warm water surfing destinations as frequently as possible. In 2015 Germain was not only elected President of the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame but he was also selected as an Inductee. During his two-year term, he built a strong Board of Directors, established transparent induction policies, and developed fundraising, working with the Board to set the course for the organization to continue to develop well beyond his term.
“I am humbled and honored to have been elected by the Board of Directors to follow in Cecil Lear’s huge footprints as the second President of the ECSHOF,” Germain remarked with a lot of emotion. “I understand there is a lot of work to do, and with Cecil’s help, I plan to hit the ground running in May as we have the 2018 Induction Ceremony taking place at Surf Expo next January.” Germain also plans to work closely with the Board, improve the organization’s communications through its website and social media platforms; expand awareness and appreciation of the Hall of Fame brand, and develop a fundraising platform.
<img class="wp-image-7793 size-full alignleft" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ECSHOF-logo.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="197" /><strong>ABOUT THE EAST COAST SURFING HALL OF FAME</strong>
Founded in 1996 The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of East Coast Surfing and to enshrine forever the people who have been responsible for its development and growth; and to preserve, protect and record the legacy and historically valuable lore of East Coast Surfing.
For more information on the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame, visit its website,
<a href="http://eastcoastsurfinghalloffame.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0464a4343e903c8a7c6e14f8c&id=eb52e659e0&e=babcf73fcd" target="_blank">www.<wbr />eastcoastsurfinghalloffame.com</a><wbr />.](https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ECSHOF031017.jpg)
“Newly chosen East Coast Surfing Hall Of Fame president, New Jerseys Gary Germain, will be the first to tell you he is humbled and that he has an extra large pair of sandals to fill in replacing Cecil Lear, but he’s never been afraid of a challenge – or drop – too big and he will no doubt be a great addition to the ECSHOF governing body and running the point. Photo: Mez[/caption]
After 21 years as President of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame, Cecil Lear (left) will hand over the title to Gary Germain (right) upon completion of Germain’s two-year term as President of the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame in May. Coincidentally, Lear and Germain both hail from the beaches of New Jersey. Photo courtesy Bruce Chrisner.[/caption]
“I am absolutely thrilled with the Board’s selection of Gary Germain, whom I have known for many years,” commented Lear, who then continued, “In addition to being a great surfer, tremendous athlete and a fine person, Gary has done a terrific job organizing and leading the New Jersey group while building tremendous public awareness and industry support for the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame. I am confident that Gary will bring his passion and dedication for the sport, his vision, leadership skills and talents to achieving the mission we established for the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame years ago.”
Germain began surfing in 1967, and in 1972 he won the first surf contest he ever entered. He continued to develop his talents and surfing competitively in Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) events while shaping and building surfboards under his G-Force label, before getting involved with the ESA as director for the North New Jersey district in 1980. Germain’s business career has taken him outside the sport but never away from surfing. He continues to surf today and travels to warm water surfing destinations as frequently as possible. In 2015 Germain was not only elected President of the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame but he was also selected as an Inductee. During his two-year term, he built a strong Board of Directors, established transparent induction policies, and developed fundraising, working with the Board to set the course for the organization to continue to develop well beyond his term.
“I am humbled and honored to have been elected by the Board of Directors to follow in Cecil Lear’s huge footprints as the second President of the ECSHOF,” Germain remarked with a lot of emotion. “I understand there is a lot of work to do, and with Cecil’s help, I plan to hit the ground running in May as we have the 2018 Induction Ceremony taking place at Surf Expo next January.” Germain also plans to work closely with the Board, improve the organization’s communications through its website and social media platforms; expand awareness and appreciation of the Hall of Fame brand, and develop a fundraising platform.
ABOUT THE EAST COAST SURFING HALL OF FAME
Founded in 1996 The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of East Coast Surfing and to enshrine forever the people who have been responsible for its development and growth; and to preserve, protect and record the legacy and historically valuable lore of East Coast Surfing.
For more information on the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame, visit its website,
![<em><strong>Written by Carly Long </strong></em>— Four letters. G-I-V-E. Four people. An artist, a photographer, a professional surfer, and you. With one mission to help our country’s youth, it all ties together. Give hope, give love, give a chance. <a href="https://www.covenanthouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Covenant House</a>, the largest privately funded charity in America, is the central driving force that provides care to homeless, abandoned, abused, trafficked, and exploited youth so that they may write a new story. Four lives have intersected with <a href="http://bit.ly/2lRMhiu" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">one fundraiser</a> to offer <a href="https://www.covenanthouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Covenant House</a> support in this effort.
<strong>One.</strong> Artist Carly Long’s story began inside her mind — the unconventional space filled with questions of existence that relate to us all. Who are we? What were we put here to do? Are we doing the best that we can? And so on. Accepting the fact that she may never discover the answers to these questions, Carly began searching for a meaningful escape, one that combined pleasure, purpose, and connection. That’s what sparked her paintings. With this new means of connection to herself and others, she discovered the most important answer of them all. She was not alone in her appraisal of life. We all face uncertainty, yet we are all here for a purpose that in one way or another, affects those around us. <a href="http://instagram.com/carlyal_" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Carly</a> is aiming is to give hope by donating <a href="http://carlyal.weebly.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">100% of the proceeds from her paintings</a>, which are based on surf photos and portraits of pro surfers, to <a href="https://www.covenanthouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Covenant House</a>.
[caption id="attachment_8198" align="alignnone" width="504"]<img class="size-large wp-image-8198" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_7480-504x1024.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="1024" /> <em>Artist Carly Long</em>[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8194" align="alignnone" width="600"]<img class="size-full wp-image-8194" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Alessa-Quizon-shot-by-Brent-Bielmann.png" alt="" width="600" height="445" /> <em>Carly’s painting of Alessa Quizon, based on a shot by Brent Bielmann</em>[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8200" align="alignnone" width="596"]<img class="size-full wp-image-8200" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sofia-Sundin-shot-by-Johan-Gederberg.png" alt="" width="596" height="597" /> Carly’s painting of Sofia Sundin, based on a shot by Johan Gederberg[/caption]
<strong>Two.</strong> Photographer Magdalena “Magi” Kernan has a story that started with a new lens to view the world around her. Magi’s vision is all about love and connection. When she shoots, she searches to capture something that gives off feeling — something that tells a story. Her passion is driven by this desire to encapsulate and share the moments that can change your life. Already familiar with roaming the streets of her town, camera in hand, Magi saw an opportunity to share a voice that is always seen, but hardly ever heard. By photographing homeless individuals, Magi was able to raise awareness and support for services such as <a href="https://www.covenanthouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Covenant House</a>, that work to fight homelessness. She urges you to stop, listen to their story, and find the connection between us all. <a href="http://instagram.com/magsymooo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magi</a> is <a href="http://magdalendakernan.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">selling prints of her photos</a> and sleeping outside on March 24th to give love for <a href="https://www.covenanthouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Covenant House</a> and all the stories that they tell.
[caption id="attachment_8203" align="alignnone" width="960"]<img class="size-large wp-image-8203" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/magi_camera-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" /> <em>Photographer Magi Kernan</em>[/caption]
<strong>Three.</strong> Professional surfer Quincy Davis was brought up with a close family, a connection to the sea, and a board in her hands. Hailing from Montauk, NY, Quincy grew up surrounded by surf. Competing against the boys, entering countless events, whatever she could do to break a sweat. At just 12 years old, Quincy was given the chance she had been fighting for. Volcom, a lifestyle brand that she’s still with today, became her sponsor. This opened many more doors, allowing Quincy to dive in to a new world of creativity and fashion. Years later, Quincy mentors young girls during the summer — living proof that youth can accomplish incredible things, if only they are given hope, love and a chance. <a href="http://instagram.com/quincydavis" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Quincy</a> is spreading the word about <a href="https://www.covenanthouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Covenant House</a> and uplifting the cause with her ability to inspire others to write their own story.
[caption id="attachment_8202" align="alignnone" width="960"]<img class="size-large wp-image-8202" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_0130-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="639" /> <em>Pro surfer Quincy Davis. Photo: Darren Muschett</em>[/caption]
<strong>Four.</strong> That’s you. You each have a story to tell. You each have something to give. It’s up to you to decide what that will be and if you will intersect with us to G-I-V-E.
[caption id="attachment_8201" align="alignnone" width="479"]<img class="size-full wp-image-8201" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Trinidad-Boy-shot-by-Aaron-Huey.png" alt="" width="479" height="599" /> <em>Carly Long’s painting of a Trinidad boy, based on a photo by Aaron Huey</em>[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8197" align="alignnone" width="600"]<img class="size-full wp-image-8197" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Elly-West-shot-by-Elly-West.png" alt="" width="600" height="600" /> <em>Carly Long’s painting based on a photo by Elly West</em>[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8196" align="alignnone" width="599"]<img class="size-full wp-image-8196" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Costa-Rican-local-shot-by-Conor-Monaghan.png" alt="" width="599" height="448" /> <em>Carly Long’s painting of a Costa Rican local, based on a photo by Conor Monaghan</em>[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8195" align="alignnone" width="598"]<img class="wp-image-8195 size-full" src="https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Charli-Howard-shot-by-Heather-Hazzan.png" alt="covenant house" width="598" height="449" /> <em>Carly Long’s painting of Charli Howard, based on a photo by Heather Hazzan</em>[/caption]
[template id=”411″]](https://www.easternsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/magi_camera.jpg)
Artist Carly Long[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8194" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Carly’s painting of Alessa Quizon, based on a shot by Brent Bielmann[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8200" align="alignnone" width="596"]
Carly’s painting of Sofia Sundin, based on a shot by Johan Gederberg[/caption]
Two. Photographer Magdalena “Magi” Kernan has a story that started with a new lens to view the world around her. Magi’s vision is all about love and connection. When she shoots, she searches to capture something that gives off feeling — something that tells a story. Her passion is driven by this desire to encapsulate and share the moments that can change your life. Already familiar with roaming the streets of her town, camera in hand, Magi saw an opportunity to share a voice that is always seen, but hardly ever heard. By photographing homeless individuals, Magi was able to raise awareness and support for services such as 
Photographer Magi Kernan[/caption]
Three. Professional surfer Quincy Davis was brought up with a close family, a connection to the sea, and a board in her hands. Hailing from Montauk, NY, Quincy grew up surrounded by surf. Competing against the boys, entering countless events, whatever she could do to break a sweat. At just 12 years old, Quincy was given the chance she had been fighting for. Volcom, a lifestyle brand that she’s still with today, became her sponsor. This opened many more doors, allowing Quincy to dive in to a new world of creativity and fashion. Years later, Quincy mentors young girls during the summer — living proof that youth can accomplish incredible things, if only they are given hope, love and a chance. 
Pro surfer Quincy Davis. Photo: Darren Muschett[/caption]
Four. That’s you. You each have a story to tell. You each have something to give. It’s up to you to decide what that will be and if you will intersect with us to G-I-V-E.
[caption id="attachment_8201" align="alignnone" width="479"]
Carly Long’s painting of a Trinidad boy, based on a photo by Aaron Huey[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8197" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Carly Long’s painting based on a photo by Elly West[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8196" align="alignnone" width="599"]
Carly Long’s painting of a Costa Rican local, based on a photo by Conor Monaghan[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8195" align="alignnone" width="598"]
Carly Long’s painting of Charli Howard, based on a photo by Heather Hazzan[/caption]
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