American surfing and snowboarding lost one of its most influential behind-the-bright-lights figures on Feb. 14. In essence, Chuck Allen was responsible for giving the amateur versions of the two action sports a central identity. In 1977, he co-founded the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA), and in 1988, he helped to organize the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA).
Allen will be remembered this Saturday Sunday, Feb. 27, with a memorial paddleout at 1 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Pier. Friends, family and those who knew Allen will paddle out beyond the breaking waves, link hands and form a circle as a means to celebrate his life.
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Originally from Oklahoma, after moving to California, Allen was immediately drawn to the surfing lifestyle. He helped coach the Huntington Beach High School surf team to several state and national championships before co-founding the NSSA.
In lieu of flowers, the Allen family is requesting that donations be made to the NSSA or USASA scholarship funds.
