Legendary Malibu surfer. Mickey (Miki) or "Da Cat" as he was known, was born in Budapest Hungrary to Miklos & Ramona Dora (divorced). Introduced to surfing by his step-father Gard Chapin who was a surfing great in his own right. Chapin purchased one of surfboard innovator Joe Quigg's revolutionary pin-tail designs as a first board for Mikey. A controversial surfing icon, he grew to distain surfing contests and resent the commercialization of the sport, as well as the crowds it brought to Malibu. He at times worked as a stunt double in several 60's surf films such as Gidget (1959), Muscle Beach Party (1964), Bikini Beach (1964), How to stuff a wild bikini (1965, Beach Blanket Bingo and Ski Party (1965). Dora had been living in France before his death having traveled to South Africa, Hawaii and New Zealand. Another legendary surfer Dale Velzy was quoted as saying "Of all the surfers I knew, Mickey Dora was the greatest. He had fantastic balance like a high wire walker and a pure style. His side slipping, turning, stalling and noseriding were all beautiful. In the islands he rode the sh** out of big waves, but he didn't care much about them. Dora was interesting to shape for because he had a concept about what he wanted... 'You see my friend, it needs to fit in the pocket...' That's how it was for him." He died in Montecito California from Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 67. His ashes will be spread on the San Ysidro Trail where his father walks daily.
Legendary Malibu surfer. Mickey (Miki) or "Da Cat" as he was known, was born in Budapest Hungrary to Miklos & Ramona Dora (divorced). Introduced to surfing by his step-father Gard Chapin who was a surfing great in his own right. Chapin purchased one of surfboard innovator Joe Quigg's revolutionary pin-tail designs as a first board for Mikey. A controversial surfing icon, he grew to distain surfing contests and resent the commercialization of the sport, as well as the crowds it brought to Malibu. He at times worked as a stunt double in several 60's surf films such as Gidget (1959), Muscle Beach Party (1964), Bikini Beach (1964), How to stuff a wild bikini (1965, Beach Blanket Bingo and Ski Party (1965). Dora had been living in France before his death having traveled to South Africa, Hawaii and New Zealand. Another legendary surfer Dale Velzy was quoted as saying "Of all the surfers I knew, Mickey Dora was the greatest. He had fantastic balance like a high wire walker and a pure style. His side slipping, turning, stalling and noseriding were all beautiful. In the islands he rode the sh** out of big waves, but he didn't care much about them. Dora was interesting to shape for because he had a concept about what he wanted... 'You see my friend, it needs to fit in the pocket...' That's how it was for him." He died in Montecito California from Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 67. His ashes will be spread on the San Ysidro Trail where his father walks daily.
Bio by: Tim Joyce
Advertisement
See more Dora memorials in:
Advertisement
