Myrtle Beach surfing champion memorialized with paddle-out

The impact Mark McDandel had on Myrtle Beach and its surfing community was visible Saturday afternoon when nearly 100 surfers took to the ocean to celebrate his life as about 100 more people looked on from the shore.

The 53-year-old died Monday at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center and was remembered as a surfing legend and community inspiration by friends and family. McDandel was the first men’s champion in 1978 of the National Scholastic Surfing Association. McDandel held the title for the East Coast until July when 15-year-old Cam Richards became the second East Coast surfer to win it.

“Mark was a stalwart in the surfing community. Mark was such a great guy. This is representative of him and what he meant to the community,” said Steve Taylor, a friend of McDandel and participant in Saturday’s paddle-out. “I am proud to say I was a friend of Mark and to have been a part of that [paddle-out] for him.”

The surfers were dressed in wetsuits and each carried a flower for McDandel as they paddled out in 53 degree water in front of 55th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach. McDandel’s wife, Linda, was among the group and afterward vowed she would learn how to surf.

Linda McDandel spread her husband’s ashes in the ocean during the paddle-out. Those watching on the beach erupted into cheers and applause when Linda McDandel’s hand rose up and shook his ashes into the air and water.

“I was married to a legend. He was my best friend and lover. He would have said ‘Today, it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,’ ” Linda McDandel said surrounded by friends and family on the beach. “I thought he had left me alone, but I realize he left me with many friends and support.”

Alan Chandler, Linda McDandel’s brother, said his family has been overwhelmed by the community support for them following Mark McDandel’s death.

“Our family expresses the deepest gratitude to the Myrtle Beach community for the outpouring of sympathy and support during this time, Chandler said. “Mark was the kind of guy you would be proud for your sister or daughter to marry.”

Many of the surfers caught a few waves after their ceremony in the water and when a group of several surfers stood up and rode a wave together, those on the beach erupted again with cheers and applause. Some shouted Mark’s name.

“Mark was the total package. He was a champion surfer and he was a champion friend,” said Tim Holt, pastor at Seacoast Vineyard Church. “You can’t say anything bad about Mark McDandel. He was a good husband and he loved [his son] Robert. You have to smile when you mention his name.” At the same time Myrtle Beach area surfers were in the water, Cam Richards and about 10 others were in the water in Puerto Rico honoring the surfing legend with a similar paddle-out, Holt said.

“How fitting is it that with Mark’s passing he passed on the championship to Cam,” Holt said. “Mark would be so stoked to see all these kids here. This exemplifies our community because the surfing community is really tight.”