The sudden passing of Nayland J. Wilkins on Sept. 27, 2020, was a shock to all who knew him and loved him. Just days prior, he had been riding his ATV at Mescalero Sand Dunes in New Mexico. He was on his way to meet his partner Pat at their home in South Padre Island, Nayland’s winter kiteboarding destination. Nayland’s passions included kiteboarding, photography, trains, cars and dancing. His ability to “burn up the dance floor” with Pat was a sight to behold. Kind and generous, he always had a smile on his face and positive things to say and was known to spend hours helping a newbie kiteboarder learn the ropes or there with a shovel to help dig a car out of the sand. That active lifestyle at 78 earned him nicknames by his close friends of “The Legend” and “The Rockstar.”

Nayland graduated La Jolla High School l960, then San Diego State after serving in the Air Force. He worked for 20 years as a commercial photographer in Cardiff by the Sea, Calif. Prior to his kiteboarding addiction, Nayland was a pioneer surfer in the ‘50s in La Jolla, and then an excellent windsurfer in the Gorge. His largest sail was a 4.5.

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(2) entries

Rick

Met Nayland while skydiving at Lake Elsinore in the late '70's. He influenced my life in many ways, always a smile, always a positive outlook, always a friend. I hope that someday I may be remembered the same....

Rockwind1

Will miss you Nayland! You were a person everyone should aspire to be like. May your winds always be butter smooth on the other side. (from Kevin lowell 6 mile)

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