Becker, Eaton shaped surfing
by Kevin Cody Phil Becker and Mike Eaton grew up on the Peninsula, across the street from one another, and retired near to one another on the Big Island of Hawaii. Between those periods, during the Gold Era of Surfing, the lifelong friends became celebrated surfboard shapers. Becker passed away Feb. 25, at age 81. Seven days later, Eaton passed away from a stroke, at age 86. “We all lived near Lunada Bay, across from the garbanzo bean or wheat field, depending on the season,” recalled their mutual, childhood friend John Van Hamersveld, who would also grow up to be an influential figure in surfing. Van Hamersveld was Surfing Magazine’s first editor and designed the iconic movie poster for Bruce Brown’s “Endless Summer.” The dayglow image shows three surfers, holding longboards, on the beach at sunset. Mike Eaton at the start of the 2006 Hennessey’s U.S. Paddleboad Championships in Hermosa Beach. He is paddling a ‘40s era Tom Blake kook box, with a modern GPS on the deck. Photo by Kevin Cody Sunset for Becker and Eaton followed long, parallel and equally celebrated careers. Becker was the most prolific shaper in surfing history. Eaton was only one or two shapers behind him. Becker…
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