Van Artsdalen, Butch (1941 – 1979)
Gifted but self-destructive surfer from La Jolla, California, known as "Mr. Pipeline" for his breakthrough performances at Hawaii's most famous surf spot in the early and mid-1960s. Van Artsdalen was born (1941) in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of a career Navy man, and moved often as a child, until his family settled Pacific Beach, San Diego, when Van Artsdalen was 14. He began surfing a year later. A broad-shouldered natural athlete, he lettered in football, baseball, and track for three strai...