It is a sad week for Western Australian windsurfing with the tragic passing of Jan Wiersam last Thursday in Rockingham, and today it is sad to let the community know of Nude board shaper and local repairer James Hooper's passing on Sunday.
On behalf of all sailors in WA I would like to send condolences to both families.
A gathering for Jan was held on Sunday last weekend and one will be planned in the coming days for friends of James's to pay their respects.
James' father will be arriving in WA this week to attend to Jame's affairs including his workshop.
Many people will have board and other items either under repair/ finished or otherwise that they will wish to be returned.
The workshop will not be available to access at this time. We ask all people to not visit for equipment claims at the moment. The rental company of the unit and James's father will be creating access times for the collection of these items by the owners once a list has been compiled.
We ask that anyone with an item currently in for repair send their full contact details and description of the item/s to the email addresses below. Preferably with photo of the item if you have it and personal Identification will be needed at the time of collection.
These details will be passed onto the agent and they will contact you with a collection time.
please send your details to either of the following emails.
Paul@severnedesign.com
commercial@shellabears.com.au
Very sad to hear.
His board shaping, repairs, and knowledge will be greatly missed on here, through the WA windsurfing community and im sure the wider windsurfing community.
Thanks for posting Paul.
Rest in Peace Mr Hooper
This is horrible news. I am very sorry to hear this. Condolences to all they were important to.
So shocked to hear this. His boards have given me so much pleasure over the years.
He also visited our shops in the UK and was fascinating to talk to. I had no idea he was ill.
That's very sad news, condolences to his family and friends. What a terrible loss to the WA sailing community.
Condolences to Mr Hoopers & Mr Weirsam's family & friends. We also lost 'Mad' Mike from Geraldton a few weeks ago too. Enjoy the present moment everybody.... life is precious & can end in an instant.
James seemed too young to die.
I read he helped design the Fox board which in itself has brought a huge amount of pleasure to many windsurfers.
The best slalom board ive ever ridden for gybing especially with a smooth as butter ride in the chop.
Sorry to hear about Mad Mike as well.
We should appreciate and cherish every moment on the water whether the wind blows or not.
Never knew Mr Hopper but I really appreciated his online input. Definitely a loss to the community.
