Evencio Garcia Bibiano—alive in spirit
the legend continues...

Translation: Heido Sundstrom

Around noon on Sunday, November 3rd, 2013, Playa Bonfil lit up with the orange and yellow colors and fresh scent of marigold flowers that brought a spiritual calm and joy to all those who wore the garland necklaces made from the bright flower as they participated in the annual memorial ceremony of a great surfer—one of the best—and the first national surfing champion in Mexico, Evencio “the Champion” Garcia Bibiano.

The Guerrero State Surfing Association invited the surfing community to participate in this commemoration that marked 28 years since the idol’s disappearance. Young people who never had the good fortune of knowing him, as well as contemporaries of the champion who grew up with him, gathered to honor his memory at the Arrullo del Mar Restaurant belonging to “Tia” (“Auntie”) Tere to share stories and anecdotes about the champion that expressed his simplicity, charisma and innovative surfing technique. He was a surfer ahead of his time, a pioneer in the art and a dreamer.

Evencio Garcia Bibiano remains alive in the memory of all the surfers that continue to be amazed by the stories of his life and liken him, in some respects, to another great surfer, Eddie Aikau, the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay in Hawaii. Evencio was also the first lifeguard in Acapulco and founded the Pacific Acapulco Lifeguard Union. Aikau, much like Evencio, volunteered to rescue people trapped in heavy waves. But on one fateful rescue attempt, while trying to save those trapped on a boat at sea, Aikau disappeared and only his board was found. Evencio faced a similar fate and, weeks after participating in a state surfing contest and in front of thousands of spectators, disappeared after catching a wave. The search for his body lasted one week but his remains were never found, converting him into a legend.

Sunday’s ceremony included the traditional surfer’s circle ceremony in the water, with the difference that the circle was formed about 30 meters from the shore before reaching the beach break. The change was made in order that the whole family could participate. Cheers and applause on behalf of the champion could be heard as everyone offered up their good vibes and thoughts to their fallen comrade.

Evencio Garcia Bibiano is alive in spirit and his legend continues. See you next year!