Surf Cat

YORK � Bob Ballou spent his childhood summers at York Beach and went on to become a fearless big wave surfer. He was a �goofy-foot� who got his start in surfing at York Beach as a member of the Bikini Surf Shop Competition Team. After moving to Huntington Beach, Calif., he became a successful businessman, and an innovative skateboard and surf industry entrepreneur.�

Ballou founded the Powerflex Skateboard Company, whose competitive team rivaled the Z-Boys of Dog Town/Venice Beach in the mid-’70s. He invented the Wonderbolt fin screw, and he had a long career as a Toyota salesman. Ballou died last October in Long Beach, Calif. His friends and colleagues will take time this weekend to remember Ballou’s many skateboarding and surfing accomplishments and reminisce about a life well lived.

Everyone is invited and welcome to join a Memorial Paddle Out For Bob Ballou on Monday, Sept. 2 at 8 a.m.

Attendees should meet on the north side of the bath house at Long Sands Beach in York to join in the Paddle Out.

Following the memorial, there will be a social at Lobster in the Rough at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend this reception.

See Ballou’s obituary on Page A7.