Malibu Honors Surf Icon Randy ‘Crawdaddy’ Miod with Inaugural Legend Award

Malibu has posthumously honored surf legend Randy “Crawdaddy” Miod with the inaugural Malibu Surf Legend Award. Miod tragically died at age 55 while attempting to save his cat during the devastating Palisades Fire. The award, championed by his close friend Chris Wizner, recognizes Miod’s significant contributions to Malibu’s iconic surf culture and aims to celebrate future wave-riding legends.

Key Takeaways

• Malibu surf legend Randy “Crawdaddy” Miod died saving his cat during the Palisades Fire.
• The Malibu City Council posthumously honored Miod with the inaugural Malibu Surf Legend Award.
• The award celebrates Malibu’s iconic surfers for future generations.

A Hero’s Sacrifice

Randy “Crawdaddy” Miod, a beloved figure in the Malibu surf community, lost his life during the catastrophic Palisades Fire in January 2025. The blaze, which ravaged communities including Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu, claimed several lives and destroyed thousands of homes. Miod perished in his home, a distinctive red shack on Pacific Coast Highway known affectionately as the “crab shack,” while trying to rescue his cat.

Inaugural Surf Legend Award

In recognition of Miod’s profound impact on the local surf scene, the Malibu City Council established the Malibu Surf Legend Award. The inaugural award was presented posthumously to Miod on December 8th, 2025. This honor was largely driven by Miod’s longtime friend, Chris Wizner, who spearheaded the campaign to create the award.

Wizner expressed the significance of the award, stating, “History was made. The Malibu Legend of the Year Award marks the first time the city has officially honored the very sport that put Malibu on the map.”

Remembering ‘Crawdaddy’

Miod, who moved to Malibu in his early twenties, became an integral part of the community. He was a constant presence at Surfrider Beach, known for his exceptional surfing skills and a distinctive crawl-like stance that earned him the nickname “Crawdaddy.” Beyond the waves, Miod was cherished for his free-spirited nature, unwavering optimism, and generosity. He also had a notable career in Malibu’s hospitality industry, managing establishments like the Coral Beach Cantina and Zooma Sushi.

Friends and fellow surfers remember Miod as a pure, childlike soul who lived life to the fullest. Surfboard shaper Todd Proctor recalled Miod’s ability to bring people together, noting his open-door policy at his beach shack and his vibrant personality.

A memorial paddle-out was held at Surfrider Beach in May following Miod’s passing, a testament to the deep affection the community held for him. His parents, Lawrence Miod and Carol A. Smith, accepted the award on his behalf, expressing profound gratitude to Wizner and the city for establishing this meaningful tribute.

Legacy for Future Generations

The Malibu Surf Legend Award is intended to honor the iconic wave-riders who have shaped Malibu’s identity and heritage. With Miod as the first recipient, the award ensures that the spirit and contributions of its legendary surfers will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. As Michele Caesar poignantly remarked, “May the endless waves and colors of the ocean forever carry Rand’s art and love of surfing. His memory will always ride with the tide.”

Sources

• Malibu Surf Legend Randy ‘Crawdaddy’ Miod Honored After Tragic Death, SURFER Magazine.
• Malibu Surf Legend Randall Miod honored, The Malibu Times.