Surfing Soapbox:

Joe Epps will always be remembered for how he lived.

His passion for life was unequal. With that irresistible laughter and electrifying smile of his, he was always the life of the party, but more importantly, he made those around him feel good. I can picture his smile right now as if he were sitting beside me, and that’s a wonderful way to be remembered — the ultimate way, really. Remembered for your smile that still shines bright, even though you have moved on and now surf the best waves that heaven has to offer — and I’m pretty sure it’s a left like Brooks Street, only better.

A good smile will always speak volumes about a person more than words ever will. However, when Joe spoke, it was always from the heart. He referred to my brother John as “son,” and I know that meant the world to John.

Joe meant a lot to a lot of people, especially to the community of Laguna Beach. So much so that the Laguna Beach City Council voted unanimously to dedicate the new surfing statue at Brooks Street to him — and I know Joe will be smiling for that, especially because Joe and Mike Armstrong grew up surfing there.

Thank you, Laguna Beach City Council, for that tribute. I know that Joe’s family will appreciate it with all their hearts, as does the surfing community at Brooks Street and throughout Laguna. Joe’s paddle-out memorial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Brooks Street. Please bring your best smiles and join us in celebrating the life and times of Joe Epps.

I’m sure he’ll be playing his guitar for us.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. His websites include AlohaSchoolofSurfing and ECOWarriorSurf.com. He can be reached at [email protected].