A Pioneer of the Shortboard Revolution
Alexis Giorgio Cottavoz-Usher, a revered figure in the Santa Barbara surf scene and a trailblazer in the evolution of modern surfing, has passed away at the age of 62 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Known for his smooth, explosive surfing style and pioneering contributions to the shortboard movement, Usher leaves behind a legacy that spans generations of wave riders.
Mastery on Waves and in Film
As a standout goofy-footer in a region dominated by regular-foot surfers, Usher made his mark on iconic waves like Rincon, Ventura, and international breaks such as Bali’s G-Land, Hawai‘i’s North Shore, and Australia’s Bells Beach. He was an early member of the Channel Islands surf team and worked closely with legendary shaper Al Merrick in the 1970s, helping define the performance surfboard as we know it today.
Career Highlights and Global Impact
Competing on the 1984 ASP World Tour, Usher ranked 46th globally, gaining recognition for his stylish and technical approach to surfing. The Santa Barbara Independent lauded him as someone who viewed surfing as “both an art form and a science,” turning challenges into creative opportunities on the wave.
Legacy Behind the Camera
After retiring from professional competition, Usher transitioned to filmmaking. In 1991, he founded Stormproof Films and began documenting high-performance surfing with a unique underground perspective. His footage of Bruce Irons at Pipeline and Teahupo’o, and his cult classics “Good ‘n’ Plenty” volumes 1 and 2, remain cherished among surf film fans.
A Life Celebrated by the Community
A memorial paddle-out will be held in honor of Usher at Ledbetter Beach, Santa Barbara, on May 31st. Friends, family, and fellow surfers are expected to gather to celebrate the life of a man who not only rode waves but helped reshape the very boards used to surf them.
Alexis Giorgio Cottavoz-Usher’s influence rippled far beyond the shoreline—and will continue to inspire the surfing world for years to come.