Rest in Peace, Charles “Chuck” Williams: A Tribute to a Treasure Coast Surfing Legend

Rest in Peace, Charles “Chuck” Williams: A Tribute to a Treasure Coast Surfing Legend

March 12, 2025

Honoring a Legend in the Treasure Coast Surf Community

On March 11th, 2025, the waves carried home a true legend home to heaven. Charles “Chuck” Williams, the heart and soul behind Impact Surfboards, rode his final wave, leaving behind a legacy as deep and enduring as the ocean itself.

For over 30 years, Chuck was more than just a board shaper; he was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to countless surfers. His impact on the surf community is immeasurable, and his craftsmanship has graced the waters from Florida's Treasure Coast to far beyond. Today, we take a moment to honor his life, his contributions, and the incredible memories he has left behind.

The Life and Legacy of Charles "Chuck" Williams

A Master Craftsman and Surfing Visionary

Chuck Williams dedicated his life to shaping surfboards that didn’t just ride waves—they carried stories, dreams, and the stoke of every surfer who owned one. Through Impact Surfboards, Chuck hand-shaped hundreds of custom boards, each one designed with precision and passion for each rider.

Founder of Impact Surfboards – A brand that became synonymous with quality and performance.
Decades of Expertise – Shaping boards since the 1970s, refining his craft with every cut and curve.
Mentor to Many – Always willing to share knowledge, help young surfers, and build a sense of community.

More Than Just a Shaper – A True Florida Waterman

Chuck wasn’t just behind the shaping bay; he was out in the lineup, riding the waves and living the lifestyle he so passionately crafted for others. For locals at the Fort Pierce Inlet and beyond, seeing Chuck in the water was like witnessing surfing royalty.

His board designs weren’t just tools for wave riding; they were vehicles of local pride. If you had an Impact Surfboard, you weren’t just riding a piece of foam and fiberglass—you were riding a piece of local history.

Chuck Williams' Impact on the Surfing Community

The Treasure Coast Surf Scene: Forever Changed

For those who grew up surfing the Treasure Coast, an Impact board was a symbol of dedication and authenticity. Chuck’s influence reached far beyond shaping surfboards; he nurtured an entire generation of wave riders.

Whether it was his deep well of surf stories, his words of wisdom, or his approach to life, Chuck left an impression on everyone he met.

His Faith and Love for the Ocean

Chuck had a heart for Christ and a soul for surfing. He found peace in the water and often shared his faith with those around him. As we grieve our loss, let us find comfort in the verse:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

His kindness, his unwavering faith, and his passion for surfing made him not just a shaper but a pillar of the community.

To learn more about Chuck check out the news article covered by TC Palm in 2017 covering Chuck.