MIKE MARTIN
A surf industry legend
Hailing from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Mike Martin contributed immeasurably to the sport and culture of professional surfing, not only through his sharp eye and leadership as a judge but through his deep commitment to fairness, mentorship, and the surfing community at large. Born in Evansville, Indiana in 1949 and raised on the waves of New Smyrna, Mike began surfing in 1965 and judged his first contest in 1972. What began as a local passion would soon evolve into a lifelong vocation that left a lasting mark on the global surf world.
Mike’s rise in professional surfing came during the early days of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), now known as the World Surf League (WSL). He became the ASP’s first full-time International Head Judge in 1983—a role he held until 1987—and was instrumental in creating and enforcing the first official ASP Rule Book. With a combination of vision and precision, Mike co-authored a judging standard that remains foundational to the sport today, ensuring consistency and fairness across competitions that spanned the globe. He didn’t just help write the rules—he lived by them, earning the respect of surfers, administrators, media, and event organizers for his consistency, patience, and integrity.
Throughout his career, Mike held numerous leadership roles in competitive surfing, including ASP East Coast Director and later North America Tour Manager. He was also a driving force in forming the first International Judging Panel and implementing the wave-priority system, two groundbreaking advancements that brought structure to what was once a highly subjective sport. His impact was especially strong on the East Coast and in emerging surf regions, where he mentored judges, advised up-and-coming athletes, and helped ensure that events were run to the highest standard.
Mike’s rise in professional surfing came during the early days of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), now known as the World Surf League (WSL). He became the ASP’s first full-time International Head Judge in 1983—a role he held until 1987—and was instrumental in creating and enforcing the first official ASP Rule Book. With a combination of vision and precision, Mike co-authored a judging standard that remains foundational to the sport today, ensuring consistency and fairness across competitions that spanned the globe. He didn’t just help write the rules—he lived by them, earning the respect of surfers, administrators, media, and event organizers for his consistency, patience, and integrity.
But Mike Martin’s influence extended far beyond rulebooks and scorecards. He was deeply respected not just as an official, but as a person. Known for his calm, steady presence and good humor, he was often referred to as “the gentleman judge.” He anchored event panels with quiet authority while building lifelong friendships with the people and communities he encountered during his global travels. After the day’s work was done, he would immerse himself in local culture, always curious, always kind.
Martin’s mentorship was deeply personal. He guided generations of surfers and judges, including some of the biggest names in modern surfing, like Kelly Slater and the Lopez brothers. He was a generous teacher, and his reach spanned continents. Many speak of his encouragement and support not just as professionals, but as people. As Big Wave Tour founder Gary Linden said, “Mike Martin represented both the vision and follow-through on which our present-day sport of surfing was built... Rock solid and with a heart of gold.”
In his later years, Mike returned to New Smyrna Beach, where he remained a central figure in the surf community. He was a founding member of the Smyrna Surfari Club and helped spearhead the creation of local surf memorials and exhibits, including the Flagler Avenue surfing monument and the display at Marianne Clancy Park. In 2014, he was inducted into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame, a well-earned recognition of a career built on passion, fairness, and service.
*All photos on this page were taken from WSL's article:
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/228924/rip-mike-martin-1949-2016
