John Peck was an inspiration to future generations of Coronado surfers. Back row L-R Dave Montalbano, Tim Coon, Patrick Mower. Front row L-R Terry Gillard, Jim Montalbano, John Gillem.
Surfer John Peck’s Coronado Beginning By CHRISTINE STOKES
C
oronado’s surfing history emerged from Hawaii, where surfing originated. The Hawaii-Coronado connection begins with John D. Spreckels’ friendship with Hawaiian King Kalakaua and his visit to the Hotel del Coronado in 1890. Over the years, Coronado’s connection to Hawaii grew thanks to the Navy. Sailors stationed in Hawaii were also stationed in Coronado, many going back and forth. Sailors, aviators, underwater demolition teams and SEALs began to surf for fun. By the 1960s, the younger generation was
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taking up the sport. One of those surfers would represent Coronado in the Makaha International Surfboard Championship. (Note the word surfboard. Through the 1960s, “surfing” referred to body surfing.) According to a Dec. 13, 1962, Coronado Eagle and Journal article, “Coronado may be harboring the next International Surfboard champion … an 18-year-old boy. John Russell Peck II, son of Cmdr. John Russell Peck, USN, ret. and Mrs. Peck, may soon be on his way to Hawaii to compete
Gov. Ronald Reagan and Mayor Frank Curran dedicated the 2-mile-long San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Ferry service ended after 83 years and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge officially opened to traffic at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 3, 1969.
Aug 2, 1969
Aug 7, 2003
The aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA/CV64) was decommissioned during a ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island where it had been homeported since 1962. Dubbed “America’s Flagship” by President Reagan in 1981, the “Connie” served 41 years, nine months and 11 days, through multiple overhauls and 21 deployments; 436,000 “traps,” or aircraft landings, were performed on the deck. Through Connie’s career, nearly 120,000 sailors and Marines served aboard the ship.
Aug 10, 1886
The first ferryboat, named Coronado, was docked at the foot of Orange Avenue. Built at a cost of $15,000, the Coronado was a double-ender meaning she had side paddle wheels and did not need to turn around at each side of the bay. Measuring 100 feet long, the ferry could carry 13 horse teams with buggies and 600 people. It operated until 1922 when it was sold to a Hollywood film company to be blown up for a movie.
Aug 18, 1923
The San Diego Yacht Club formally opened its new home on Glorietta Bay. The club flag was raised by John D. Spreckels, one of the club’s charter members.
The USS John C. Stennis (CVN74) — Nimitz Class — the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be based in San Diego arrived at Naval Air Station North Island.
LESLIE CRAWFORD COLLECTION
CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
I N C O L L A B O R AT I O N W I T H H O T E L D E L C O R O N A D O & C O R O N A D O H I S T O R I C A L A S S O C I AT I O N
in the International Makaha tournament.” Peck was the first regular footed surfer (left foot forward on the board) to ride the Pipeline in Hawaii. At the time, young John was well known in Coronado. The paper notes that he “may be remembered for having won the VFW Marble J tournament some years ago and also for having speared one of the largest squid seen in these waters. He was an avid Little Leaguer and began serious attacks on surfing only three years ago.” The annual surfing competition in Makaha was on the west side of Oahu from 1954 to 1971, usually in November or December. In the late ’50s and early ’60s, it was regarded as the unofficial world championships. In 1962, Peck, who was born in 1944 in Los Angeles, placed fifth among 900 entrants. Two years prior (only one year after his surfing debut), Peck made the finals in his age division and in 1961, he competed in the Junior Men’s Division, capturing fourth place out of a field of hundreds. Peck and his family eventually moved back to Hawaii, and he went on to have one of the most industrious and interesting lives in surfing history. He is also known for his special surfboard shape, the Penetrator. At 74, Peck now lives in Orange County and still surfs. You can find videos and stories about Peck online. For photos of Coronado’s surfing history, visit coronadohistory.org.
US NAVY
Crown City History
Aug 26, 1998
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