“I first met Tom when he was referred to me by a friend to do some renovation work on my house. After talking with Tom, I realized what an interesting and diverse life he has led: everything from graduating from Kent State in the 1960s, to extreme weather surfing at age 62, to playing percussion in a local band, to organic gardening and making national news by winning a landmark Maine Supreme Court decision in a case about non-custodial parents’ visitation rights. I decided Tom would make an excellent subject for this exhibition. I mean, how many people over 60 do you know who go to Nova Scotia to surf and have washboard abs?”

Tom Wiley grew up in Portland and Buxton, Maine, and graduated from Bonny Eagle High School. He was inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame for being an all-state high school athlete in track and field and setting state records in pole vault and long jump. He earned a scholarship to Kent State University, where he graduated with a degree in Physical Education and a focus on sports coaching. 

Wiley lives in Cape Porpoise and has been a self-employed builder for 38 years. He has done carpentry and fine finish work on several historical properties in the Kennebunks, including The Colony Hotel and the Franciscan Monastery. Since 2002 he has also been the drummer for the church band at Sea Road Advent Christian Church.

Wiley has been surfing Quad fin short boards since 1964 and has been featured in surfing periodicals as an extreme weather surfer. His work in designing and testing cold weather surfing gear has earned him the nickname “The Ice Man.” He is one of the original instructors at Aquaholics Surf Shop and has also taught surfing lessons through the Kennebunk Parks and Recreation Department.

For this exhibition, Tom Wiley loaned an assemblage of artifacts representing the various facets of his life: his tool belt, his Hall of Fame award plaque, his drumsticks, and a collection of articles and publications.

“The Kennebunks represent. . . a very accepting and welcoming community that has high standards at many levels—including the schools and town government—and offers a great quality of life.”