The friends and family of Mike Sarain are deeply saddened to announce his passing on August 9th, 2026 at his home in Kiama. He was born Michael Paul Sarain on January 1st, 1961, in San Diego, CA. Mike lived a remarkably vibrant life filled with love, friendship, laughter, adventure, and generosity.
Known by friends and family for his sharp wit, infectious smile & unconditional kindness, Mike had a unique ability to make everyone feel special. His impact stretches around the world. He was happiest when surfing or spending time “talking story” (as he put it) with a legion of friends.
Mike grew up in Terramar. His single mother, Edith, a teacher in the Carlsbad school system, nurtured him. Mike attended elementary through High School in Carlsbad, where he made many lifelong friends. After graduation, he worked in floral delivery, then in surf and ski retail, and then in restaurants as a cook at the Quails Inn & The Charthouse. During those years, the majority of Mike’s earnings went to surf and ski travels with friends. He lived a few years in Mammoth Lakes but returned to Carlsbad, where he and two of his friends launched a surfing and watersports cable TV show in 1985. Mike expanded his talents in television production, working on various projects. Some quite exotic. He said his years directing productions for the international dance fitness program Jazzercise were some of his most memorable, both for the relationships he made and the fun he had.
Mike’s friend Marco had moved to Australia, and Mike eventually decided he wanted to live there too. The quality of life, and particularly the surf, beckoned. So he and his partner Nina decided to cross the Pacific in search of adventure. Leveraging Nina’s student visa, they arrived in Australia in 2001. Mike applied for citizenship under the guise of a “chef” because television directing wasn’t a field Australia listed as “in demand.” But after establishing dual citizenship, Mike slyly switched to his preferred career.
After years of honing his craft “down under,” he segued to part-time teaching. In 2011, he earned a full-time position within Australia’s highly acclaimed Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution, where he artfully passed on his years of experience to the next generation.
Taking full advantage of his dual citizenship, Mick (as many Aussie friends called him) would migrate 15 thousand miles round trip from his home in Kiama to Carlsbad almost annually to be with friends.
On a visit in 2015, Mike discovered he was not the only child he had always thought he was. Much to his surprise, his father had sired three other children: Anthony from La Jolla, Alex, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Guadalupe (yet to be located). He was suddenly an uncle!
Mike and his brother Anthony decided to try their hand at restaurateurship, purchasing a potential business in 2018. Partnering with some friends, they launched WildWood Crossing and Cantina in Vista in 2019. Challenges quickly arose as the Covid 19 pandemic erupted shortly after opening. Mike was in Australia at the time and was bound by Australian travel restrictions which kept him there for nearly two years. The “WildWood” adventure lasted a total of five years before selling the business.
Most recently, Mike was involved with several film projects centered around the surf community to which Mike has always had an intrinsic connection.
Mike will be lovingly remembered and missed by his long-time partner, Nina Brathletson and stepson Bjorn Brathletson. As well as by his brothers Anthony and Alex, his sister Guadalupe and a tremendous list of friends.
A paddle-out followed by a casual celebration of life will be held in Mike’s honor. The paddle-out will happen at his home spot, Terramar reef, on October 10 at 2pm. Please enter from the north or south end and traverse the beach to the surf spot.
Directly following, a celebration of life will be held at the home of Jim Watson, 3287 Lincoln Street, Carlsbad. If not attending the paddle-out, plan to arrive at the home at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, we ask those inclined to make a donation to either the California Surf Museum, 312 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054 or Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA 92672.
