The Sad Passing Of James Hooper

For all of those who don't know it's a sad time in Windsurfing with the passing of James Hooper.

James grew up in SA sailing boats in Port Lincoln and then Adelaide crossing over to Windsurfing at an early age.
James was a keen Seacliff sailor in boats and windsurfing.
I the early days of SAWSA he was at Robe comps and all the wave comps, always a character.

James developed an interest in shaping from his early 20's instantly showing a talent for it.

Mid 20's he moved to West Oz chasing his windsurfing dream.
If you met James he always had a laugh for you and he always had time to talk through his board shapes.
He started NUDE sailboards and was an instant hit

He became an integral part of the Severne team and made some cool shapes for Starboard.
James is a great shaper, his boards were cutting edge, if you rode one you would know what i'm talking about.

Ride a Severne Nano or a Dyno and your riding a board steeped in first hand wavesailing knowledge.


James had an artistic soul that few have.

It's with great sadness that we have to reminisce about James, but if you were lucky enough to know him grab a coopers pale ale and hold it up high and give a toast to great person, a great mate, an awesome windsurfer, innovator and all round cool guy who will be remembered as an integral part of the South Oz windsurfing scene.

Many a barrell roll was thrown by James at Seacliff on a big stormy

There will be a memorial for James in the coming weeks at a pub to be announced, all who knew him and those who didn't are invited to come and raise a glass to a person who will be sorely missed.

We will give the location and time when we know more.

RIP James "Hoops"Hooper.


WSA

Hi All

We are having a get together for James at the Seacliff Yacht Club 11th Sept from 1.30ish onwards.

Everyone is invited to come and raise a glass to a great bloke.

Probably bust out the guitar and play some tunes and sing some songs of sin.

Ian