Echo Fire Victim Surfer Todd Lost Everything

Pacific Northwest native, surfer, and former Wave Hounds Surfshop owner Todd Welter lost everything in the Echo Fire that is ravaging Lincoln County, Oregon this week.

As of 9/11,  approximately 200 Lincoln County residents have fled as the Echo Mountain Complex Fire is still burning at more than 2,400 acres in the county with ~238 firefighters battling the blaze.

Fortunately Todd, his girlfriend Talya, and her 3 children are safe. However, Talya's house (where Todd lived) was burned to rubble and Todd lost everything he owned to the fire. In his Facebook post, Todd shares a video showing nothing but rubble remaining at the site of what was he and Talya's home. They lost everything. Todd lost his surfboards, wetsuits, motorcycles, music, art, photos, tools, and personal affects.

If you surf in the PNW there's a very good chance you know Todd. He owned Wave Hounds Surf Shop in Seattle, WA for more than a decade. Whether you bought gear from him, sold gear to him, took surfing lessons and surfed with him, had a drink with him, or simply saw him in passing driving to and from the coast, Todd left an impression on you.

Todd contributed, and still contributes, to the surf community in many ways. In moments like these we, as a surfing community, need to come together to support him. So please, donate what you can, every penny counts. If you have gear or equipment you want to donate, please contact him. Let's help get this surfer and dear friend back in the water, and back into a home he can call his own.

A little about me so that gofundme, and you, will know this is real...
I've surfed in the PNW for over 12 years, and I've known Todd for about that long. I co-hosted an art show in 2012 & 2013 titled "Two Tribes" which featured classic surfboards (some of which Todd contributed) and custom motorcycles. The proceeds were donated to a local surfing non-profit, A Warm Current. When another friend and local surfer was severely injured I co-hosted an auction, "Get Tim Back in the Water", where we raised $10k for his medical expenses. Thankfully Tim recovered and got back in the water! And now another friend of mine and member of our surf community is suffering, I've started this gofundme for him because he deserves it and I fully believe this community will rally to support him.

Thank you!