UPDATE: DUE TO LARGE SURF, THE PADDLE OUT WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, JAN. 8

Since Collins’ sudden death on Monday, the tributes have been coming in from around the world, with the surf world stunned at his unexpected heart attack. The Seal Beach surfer was 59.

Collins was one of the most influential surfers of our time, developing the forecasting system that first started out as a phone service, then the world’s largest surf website. He sold the company about a decade ago but stayed on as chief forecaster and president, spending much of his time traveling the world searching for surf.

The celebration of Collins’ life is open to all who want to join, but those not familiar with waves should beware because a big swell is possibly brewing for that weekend.

A paddle out is a traditional tribute for surfers who have passed away, and those who don’t surf can watch from the pier. It will start at 11 a.m.

The internet has been flooded with tributes to Collins, coming from around the globe via comments on stories, Facebook and Twitter. Here’s just a few:

The Surfline team: With heavy hearts we must announce that Sean Collins, Surfline’s founder, president & chief forecaster has passed away. Sean’s many accomplishments in surf science and forecasting made him one of the most influential surfers of our time. Surfline’s entire staff- as well as countless surfers worldwide- are in a state of shock at the news.

Hurley crew: Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Sean Collins, who passed away yesterday at 59. Over the past 25 years, Sean almost single-handedly changed the way we go surfing with his forecasting expertise. Hurley and the surf world at large owe so much — and probably the waves of our lives — to him.

Brett Simpson: May Sean Collins rest in peace! thank you soo much for what you have done for surfing and just being an outright awesome dude! my thoughts and prayers are with the Collins family ! Love you guys

Katie Jackson: My heart goes out to all the Surfline and Collins family. Sean’s always a legend, but also a great mentor, teacher, father, and boss. Thank you for everything. R.I.P.

Steve Fuchs: R.I.P.S. Sean Collins… may you rest in peace and surf. Thank you for helping us score waves around the world–each one had your name on it. *much love to the Surfline.com family*Danny Mufasa A pioneer to what we know forecasting to be today, a true legend that came about in the search of waves.

Peter “PT” Townend: TODAY we lost one of surfing’s most influential people. R.I.P. Sean Collins my mate!, you changed the way we went surfing!

Reid Inouye, Cardiff-by-the-Sea: The thing I remember most about Sean was his mellow voice. Trying to find out how Pipeline and Sunset was going to be for our HPAC pro events in Hawaii. But he has so much knowledge for the oceans around the world with a calmness that he would take the stress out of your thinking about what was coming in and when. He changed the world of surfing forever.

Tim Tayshun: Condolences to his family. My friends and I headed to Mexico on numerous occasions in the early ’90s because of this innovative man! Thank you for the memories.

Anthony Rush: Thanks for the waves Mr. Collins, I remember hearing your voice so vividly on that phone line so many years ago! Thanks for those 4 to 6 and fair to good days my friend!

Tom Servais, Dana Point: A sad day, last saw him shooting photos in Fiji during the big swell in July. Photography was another of his passions. I was fortunate to be a friend and to have played tennis with him at the club in Newport where he passed away, although I could never really take a game from him, as he was an exceptionally good player. Miss you Sean. All the best to his family.

Share your memories below in the comments section.

To keep posted and for more info, join the Paddle out for Sean Collins Facebook page.

Read the original story on OC Register about Collins’ and his untimely death.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people donate to a fund that has been set up  that will direct money to various causes Sean would support.

Here are the details:

The Sean Collins Surfline Charitable Fund
300 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste 310
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

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