Life is a mystery. Sean Collins, the founder of Surfline, passed away on December 26 after suffering a heart attack while playing tennis with his wife, Daren.
Collins, 59, was probably the best surf forecaster in the world. He leaves the world of surfing and his Surfline co-workers in a state of shock.
Sean Collins was born on April 8, 1952, in Southern California. He became interested in meteorology through sailing and then surfing. He started riding waves at the age of eight.
"I was always looking at charts to plan my surfing and sailing and developed a keen sense about the ocean," he once said.
Sean Collins worked for Yary Sports Photography, Berzon Talent Agency, and Surfing Magazine. In the 1980s, he was already a swell guru and passed information about the wave conditions to his close friends.
Surfline
In 1990, he bought Surfline and developed a complete line of surf forecasting services and products. Surfline.com launched in 1995 and quickly became an internet hit.
His company works for US lifeguard agencies, the Coast Guard, the US Navy Seals, the National Weather Service, and multiple international governmental agencies.
Sean Collins was considered one of the "25 Most Influential Surfers of the Century" by Surfer Magazine. In 2008, he was inducted into the Surfer's Hall of Fame.
His work, knowledge, and friendship will be greatly missed. Sean Collins is survived by his wife, Daren, and his two sons, Tyler and AJ. On January 8, 2012, at 11 am, there will be a paddle out for Sean Collins in Huntington Beach Pier.
Watch Sean Collins explaining his wave forecast model.