Southern California surf community shaken by death of Seal Beach local Kirk Weissinger

Today, the communities of Southern California and Seal Beach are devastated by the news of the death of one of their most beloved young talents, Kirk Weissinger.

“Devastated,” the Seal Beach Boardriders Club wrote on Instagram. “This is the only way to describe the worst news we can receive – Kirk was no longer with us.”

“Sad, angry and every emotion in between, this one hits us all right in the heart. Kirk's talent in the water was undeniable – as Seal Comp City Champ and permanent performer for the Seal Boardriders Club, Kirk had the full repertoire. In the air, on the wave, in the barrel or in awkwardly big waves, he was always there charging. He was incredible on every wave Seal had to offer and blew them all away. Speak softly, throw lots of water. Kirk was at the top of the pecking order. Anyone who came to surf Southside saw Kirk repeatedly traverse the thickest, deepest pits and realized very quickly that he was a Seal local. He was always respectful in and out of the water and humble about his incredible talent. He was a true waterman in every way, the ocean was his playground.”

“As a son, grandson, brother and friend, we will all miss you more than you can ever imagine. The tears are still flowing. Our deepest condolences go out to Ric, Kristi, Erik, Clint and the entire Weissinger family. We hope you get blown out of the thickest slab and land the biggest fish, brother. Rest in peace, Kirk – we are devastated.”

Kirk was a close friend to many in the community, including Seal Beach community leader Chad Wells and childhood friends Jake Telkamp and Nolan Rapoza.

“We lost a brother yesterday, one of Seal Beach's finest,” Rapoza wrote. “Kirk was like an older brother to me. I grew up on the streets of Seal Kirk. Sam Tbone and Jake really got me involved and showed me what surf culture is all about. Surfing all day, hopping into backyards to skate empty pools, eating LBJ every day, and boxing each other in the alley of Jake's house. Kirk and all the Seal boys are the reason I learned to love surfing so much. Just a year ago Kirk and I had one of the best days ever at our local beach trading pits all day long, something we could only dream of as groms. We ended the day with a couple beers at the bar and the vibe couldn't have been better. We went on to get even more tubes the days that followed. If you're from Seal you'll understand what a rare day that truly was. Something I will cherish forever! There is no one I would rather share the summit at SS with. Thank you for showing me how it's done. Sending my deepest condolences to the entire Weissinger family ❤️ Kirk was truly loved by the entire Seal Beach community, RIP Kirk.”

“I experienced so many emotions today, Kirk,” wrote Tellkamp. “I sold you your first shortboard. I watched you learn to surf. I watched you become the best surfer in our hometown. We wanted to surf together at Mavericks. We wanted to meet up and have a beer every time I was back in Seal.”

“You weren't made for the era you were born in. You were from another time. You had soul. In a town full of pop singers, you let your surfing do the talking. I loved watching you surf, Kirk. Last time we spoke, you were dreaming of trying the QS. We made a plan to take you fishing in Alaska so you could make enough money to fund it.”

“I will forever be sad that you didn't get on that plane.”

“We'll be watching your brothers and your mom and dad. Every time the @sealbeachboardriders get together we'll be talking about you and there won't be a dry eye in the house. We love you Kirk. We wanted you to see what we all saw in you.”

Rest in peace, Kirk Weissinger.