William Finnegan's mother, who grew up in poverty during the Great Depression and is remembered for her open-mindedness and intellectual nature, which influenced Finnegan's character and values.

The author's father, a former news writer and labor movement supporter, who had a significant impact on Finnegan through his support of civil rights and encouragement of challenging pursuits like surfing.

One of Finnegan's first friends in Hawaii, a native Hawaiian who shared Finnegan's interest in surfing and taught him about local surf culture and Hawaiian traditions.

Roddy's older brother and a skilled surfer who became a surfing role model for Finnegan and helped him integrate different social groups through his amicable personality.

A close friend and travel companion of Finnegan's who shared his passion for surfing, despite differing personalities and writing styles that occasionally led to tension.

Finnegan's first serious girlfriend from his teenage years, marked by significant travel and learning experiences together, whose relationship left a lasting impression on him.

William Finnegan's wife, a Zimbabwean-born artist and later a lawyer, known for her independence and ability to endure Finnegan's surfing obsession while maintaining her own interests.