All of us in the Kneeboard Surfing USA community were filled with sadness at news this week of Don Harris’ passing. Don died on Sunday while doing what he loved the most, kneeboarding solid Norcal surf.

Our immediate thoughts are with Don’s family and closest friends who are truly in need of our support during this difficult time. Don’s joyful, independent spirit touched many, but none more than his lovely wife Bonnie and their daughter Lana. Please keep them both in your prayers.

It is a tribute to Don that he leaves behind so many friends. Most of us got to know Don through his role as co-founder and long-time President of KSUSA. Don was at the center of a core group of kneeboarders who founded KSUSA in 2003. He led development of the KSUSA website which helped connect thousands of kneeriders across the globe. He helped put on the numerous gatherings, several KSUSA titles and a World Titles, and insisted these events be celebrations of kneeriding, not just competitions.

Whereas US kneeboarding in the 1980 and 90s suffered from competing agendas and indifference, Don played a key role in setting the tone for an organization that prioritized friendship and positivity, qualities he embodied.

Don was a true ambassador of the sport, and over the last two decades he and Bonnie traveled extensively to share their stoke with the kneeboard tribe and connect us across oceans. Don’s contributions to the worldwide kneeboard community can’t be overstated. Don and Bonnie hosted many a visiting kneerider and he was always glad to share knowledge of his fickle Norcal waters with his guests.

Undoubtedly, there will be many tributes put forward to honor Don Harris. He is someone truly deserving of this recognition. These gatherings will be bittersweet – we’ll miss our friend Don but know that he was instrumental in bringing so many people together. That will be his legacy for us, the friendships he helped forge and/or rekindle.

Thank you Don. We’ll miss you.

Jack, Joe, Brad, and Tom