ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. — The surfing world bids farewell to a local legend as Biddy Hunter, a stalwart of the First Coast surfing scene, has died at the age of 77. Hunter’s life was a testament to his enduring influence on the waves.

“He and his brother once dressed up as two old ladies, or ‘biddies,'” recalled Tory Strange, owner of the Surf Station. “That’s how he earned his nickname.”

The name Biddy was as distinctive as the impact he made on the First Coast’s surfing community.

Strange remembers meeting Hunter many years ago during a surfing session, where Hunter’s exceptional skill was immediately apparent.

“I ran a contest down here,” said Strange. “He came down and won it. Won the pro division. He was just great, but beyond his surfing ability was his way to connect with people.”

Strange and Hunter share a connection at the St. Augustine Surf Culture and History Museum, where they both make an appearance in a book noting the members who helped form the surfing community.

The museum features a massive picture of a mustachioed Hunter carving up a wave, noting he was the first person from St. Augustine to compete in the World Surfing Championships  in 1968 and went on to win the Florida State Championship in 1985.

“I think the way he handled victory and defeat was a great moment,” said Strange. “He was always a class act.”

Although losing his surfing companion is still fresh for Strange, he’s taking solace in knowing the impact Hunter had in shaping surfing culture in both Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

“He had an influence on so many surfers and people throughout the surfing community,” said Strange. “He was just loved.”

Although it’s been a few years since they last paddled out together, Strange says he will be thinking about him when he catches his next wave.

“I think his legacy will live on at the beach and people will always remember him,” said Strange. “He’s not going anywhere.”

Strange mentioned several surfers are planning a paddle out in Hunter’s honor.