Larry “Longboard” Williams: Buddhist, Blatz drinker, Beer Surfer
By Tim Cigelske • Jan 8th, 2009 • Category: Beer Runner profile, The MidwestI have never, ever met anyone quite like Larry “Longboard” Williams.
- Larry (front and center): “The stoke is a global thing.”
He’s 100% authentic Wisconsinite, 100% authentic surfer, 100% authentic human being.
Yes, he’s a surfer. In Wisconsin. In Lake Michigan.
I recently wrote an article about him and the unlikely surf scene in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I also had the pleasure to Hang 10 (or, more accurately, a 2 or 3) with him in the frigid Lake Michigan winter waves.
He and his buddies are also, no surprise, big beer drinkers. Their signature event The Dairyland Surf Classic is even sponsored by Corona.
Larry recently talked to the Beer Runner about Blatz, surfing and shrinkage.
Is it a necessity to drink beer to warm up after surfing in Lake Michigan?
Beer after surfing doesn’t warm you. It’s sharing with friends new and old that warms you. You can tell the warmest surfer by the widest smile. You don’t need beer to surf but after your done raising your beer smiling and agreeing “we’ve done it again, what a fine day” says it all.
What’s your favorite beer after a surfing session?
BLATZ!!!!! Why Blatz? You bring enough for all your friends, plus more. So it needs to be cheap, and good. Spend 4-5hrs in a roasting wetsuit pushin your body past it’s limits those first coupla beers don’t even touch the sides of your throat! Cuz yer in the water you still have to rehydrate.
How did you end up getting sponsored by Corona?
Corona approached us 4 years ago to sponsor the DAIRYLAND SURF CLASSIC, the largest freshwater surfing event in the world. We figured this is the #1 beach beer in the world so what a great match. 2009 they are still welcome at our side. The D-Land as surfers call it is now in it’s 21st year. Major beer companies court us every year but Corona treats us well so we treat them well.
Biggest thing in Sheboygan, Wisconsin: Bratwurst, beer or surfing?
As I age Bratwaurst is less but beer will always be nearby. Sheboygan, Wisconsin, will ALWAYS be the center of freshwater surfing not just because of the outstanding waves!!!! Some blue — head high — some yellow, foamy — nose high!!! It’s the attitude found nowhere else on earth. Happy, friendly, sharing, clean water riders. Fluid journey, beer, or fiberglass — be safe and enjoy the ride.
How much of a workout is it to go surfing in Lake Michigan?
I’m nearing 56 years of age with no health problems. I credit surfing. Been a Great Lakes surfer for well over 40 years and a practicing Buddhist. Enjoy pushing my body, and mind past their limits. To be a Great Lakes surfer has been compared to running a tri-event!!!! Being hit by a wave every 9 seconds tests yer will and shrinks yer um…ah…I’ll say fat!
Anything else to add?
google DAIRYLAND SURF CLASSIC. Peace, Larry “Longboard” Williams
Tim Cigelske is the Beer Runner. --
Beer Run•ner (noun): 1. Someone equally devoted to fine beer appreciation and an active, healthy lifestyle 2. A blog by Tim Cigelske on Draftmag.com. Ex. "John downed four microbrews at the triathlon finish line. He's a total beer runner."
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