What’s your name and what fills your time?
Mike Fogg – My life in review would be best described as: Faith, Family, and Friends. A blessed life. My story, I came from the swamp to the surf. I grew up water skiing on Kingsley Lake, playing golf, and working at Strickland’s Landing. I came to the beach in 1970, went to Jr. College, and met my first friend here, David Swaney, who I ended up living, traveling, and having wonderful times with.
I immediately bought a Hobie Straight Arrow, and became an instant Salt Water convert. Surfing introduced me to many of the people I know and love today. From Bill Hixon to still close friend, Joe Roland, to Rozo, Larry Miniard, Ray Hinson, Arthur Jones, Don Culbreth, the late Michael Mainville, the list is long. These years also included long time friends Jackson Lanehart and Bill Griffin.
The early 70’s was a magic time and it was a joy to live it. I later moved to Gainesville and went to UF, but I spent a lot of time driving home here to surf. So, I moved back after a year and a half and finished college at UNF. That is where I met my now wife Marian. We spent a few years taming each other. She has proven to be the strongest person I know. She has been there for me through a lot. A wonderful person!
I then got a job managing Plastic Fantastic Surf Shop. After that I spent 7 years as an Art teacher at Fletcher then Mayport Junior. Those students are still the ones I am closet to and call friends as adults, now. They were magic too!
During this period I met the whirlwind known as the Kaufman brothers, and had many other surf rats in class when I first did my internship; Zach Ness, Scott Worthley, Whit Winfree, Eric Halladay, and more.
From the influence of close friend Mike Scanlan and my favorite cousins, the Moon brothers, I also converted from freshwater fishing to saltwater angling. Another addiction! This eventually ended up with multiple boats, a 50-ton Captain’s license and charter fishing in the summers.
I went back to UNF, got my Masters’s degree in Counseling and finished the last 27 years of my career, most at Fletcher High (THE best high school in Duval County). I got to work with all of the ‘Fletcher Legends’, including Art teacher, Kaye Kaufmann. During this time I also got my contractor’s license and built houses for about 9 years. I’ve had a busy life.
Anything special going on for this summer?
Yes! We just got back from a great time on a family vacation to the mountains in North Carolina, my son Daniel’s favorite place. He and Kiki could live in a home by a mountain stream and live on an open fire. We had all gone to the Rockies in Colorado a couple of years ago. But Kiki and Daniel love the Smokey Mountains the best. My wife Marian loves engineering these trips.
Any hobbies or interests worth telling us about?
The only ‘hobbie’ I haven’t mentioned is a passion for motorcycles. I had my first Vespa when I was 12, and still ride today, currently a Harley 103ci Fat Boy Low
What’s one thing (funny, different, cool) that many might not know about you?
Through the years, I have had the privilege of the best surfboard shapers in the business ‘putting up with me’. It has always taken a long time to shape my boards because I ‘have ideas’ I want to input (LOL). Also, all these greats, from ROZO to Greg Stritch, Clay Bennett, to friend and shaper Mike Whisnant, they have always allowed me to add color to my own boards (This usually involves several days – ask the Whiz, ha ha)
What’s the best part of living here on the First Coast?
The best part of living here is the people and of course, the ocean. I’ve had the wonderful experience of meeting literally thousands of you! Through 35 of working in school, students, the surfing community, the fishing community, building and construction – I have met many people who ARE the beaches! It is an honor for First Coast Life to consider me worthy of being in the company of the people they have featured.
Anything else that you would like to tell the community?
Yes! Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.’ Proverbs 3:5,6
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
