Support Eric's Family in Their Time of Need

The surfing community has lost a Legend.

Vani lost her husband, Eli and Sade lost their father, and we all have lost a friend.

We have had an overwhelming amount of messages asking where people can donate to help support Eric's family.

We hope everyone will help circulate this fundraiser. The funds raised will be used towards helping Vani and Sade, as well as schooling for his son, Eli.

We lost Eric on the 12th of June, just after sunset while he was surfing his absolute favorite wave, Rags Left. When Rags is firing Eric couldn't get enough. He probably has more barrels at Rags Left than anyone on the planet. Hands down the most barrels at Thunders, often surfing alone.

Eric was a true hardcore surfer who carved out space for himself in the Mentawai Island chain. As hardcore as Eric was, we can't forget about his family. His son, Eli spent much of his first 7 years with Eric on his charter boat, "Addiction". When Eric moved on to build his dream in front of his favorite wave, Thunders, Vani and Eli camped with us on the island of Sibigau.

Thousands of surfers from around the world have a man named Eric Foraker to thank for guiding and hosting them on the best days and surf trips of their lives. Eric thrived on creating special trips for his guests.

Few people get tagged with the word Legend, and even fewer warrant the accolade. Eric earned this title on the fringes of the Indian Ocean, through pure dedication to surfing. With over two decades of blood, sweat and barrels, Eric epitomized commitment, and integrity. He began this journey at a time when the Mentawai Islands, particularly the southern region, was far from a mainstream destination. In those years, going that far off the beaten path took a particular type of determination.

Originating from Chesapeake City, Maryland. (How many core surfers do you know from Chesapeake City!?) Eric sold everything he owned and moved to the Mentawai chain in 2002. He got his start as a charter captain on “Strictly Business” for 3 years. Then he searched out a boat to refit for his new partners, and “Addiction” was born. Eric was the captain for seven years, while he covered the whole region, wave-searching from Aceh to Lombok. He sold his shares in “Addiction” and moved on to start Southern Mentawai Outpost, with his friend. They created his bamboo dream on the small uninhabited island of Sibigau, situated in front of Thunders—the most consistent wave in the region, possibly the world! He poured his life into this dream for the past 10 years.

Ultimately Eric was a man who loved his family dearly. He chose the path less travelled and worked hard to make his dream his reality. He didn’t keep it to himself though, he invited anyone to share in the pure stoke of unplugged simple living, surfing, fishing and enjoying nature and family.

Eric left us surfing his favorite wave on a massive night. Fittingly, he made his final crossing of the Mentawai Strait on his old boat, "Addiction" with most of his original crew and his best friend Geni, along with Vani and Sade. He was cremated yesterday in Padang.

Eric is the King of Thunders and we will miss him forever!

We hope you can donate to help support Eric's family. Please come visit and experience Eric's legacy. We are going to do our best to keep the fire burning.

Please email us stories of Eric and photos. I will compile them into a book for his loved ones.

All funds raised will be transferred to Eric's mother, Victoria Foraker, in Chesapeake City, Maryland.

All funds will go directly to Vani, Sade and Eli.