Eli Viszolay, a perennial standout at Laguna Beach’s iconic Brooks Street, a Tavarua Island boatman, and a beloved local surf instructor, is currently facing the fight of his life.
Recently named “Best Surfer” at the annual Laguna Achievement Awards hosted by community radio station KXFM 104.7, the 35-year-old wave rider was diagnosed with a rare and serious stage 3 non-seminoma germ-cell tumor.
And over the weekend, the tight-knit local surf tribe rallied to support one of their own. Organized by the Laguna Beach Boardriders Club, a massive crowd gathered at the newly-opened Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center (SHACC) alongside legendary surfer and museum founder Dick Metz. And during the fundraiser, Viszolay’s journey was celebrated on celluloid. Check it out below.
The emotional high point of the night was the premiere of a powerful new short film showcasing Eli’s ongoing cancer journey, juxtaposed with footage of him ripping world-class waves across Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, South America, Mexico, and beyond.
Reflecting on his diagnosis in the video, Eli remains incredibly resilient.
“I just kind of try to find the where I’m lucky in every situation,” he shared. “The most helpful thing that’s got me through this is definitely the support of the community and my family and my friends… there’s nothing that beats that.”
He added: “You guys have shown me love, and I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”
A GoFundMe campaign, aptly titled “Standing with Eli During His Treatment,” has been established by his sister, Marissa, to help offset medical expenses and keep supporters updated.
On the page, she details how Eli first discovered the large mass in his lower abdomen and back following nerve pain while surfing.
“Your kindness, love, and encouragement mean more than we can express,” Marissa wrote on the fundraising page. “Thank you for standing with our family and with my beloved brother during this incredibly difficult time.”
She added: “If you know Eli, you know how hard it will be for him to stay out of the ocean. You also know that the ocean is not just where he feels most alive.”
As Eli endures grueling treatments, including a high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant, the Laguna Beach community continues to wrap its arms around him.
The fundraiser will ensure he has the resources needed while he fights to get back to the waves he loves so much. Support Eli Viszolay’s cancer battle here.
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