Surf World Reacts to Tamayo Perry’s Tragic Death

On Sunday, June 23, Tamayo Perry went for a surf during his break as a lifeguard on Oahu’s east side. He was paddling out to Goat Island, off Malaekahana Beach, when he was attacked by a shark. The injuries were fatal ; Tamayo was 49 years old.

Tamayo was a beloved member of the international surf community, a standout charger at heavy lefthand barrels like Pipeline and Teahupo’o, a lifeguard, a surf school operator, and a part-time actor in films like Blue Crush and Pirates of the Caribbean .

With scattered success in the jersey, Tamayo was most well-known as a free-surfer. In the early 2000s, he was often in the “Wave of the Winter” conversation on the North Shore of Oahu, and he was a frequent face in surf mags and films – often under the lip on a pitching Pipeline tube. Per Matt Warshaw’s Encyclopedia of Surfing : “By 2005 he was generally regarded as Pipeline's single most dominate [sic] surfer.”

Related: Legendary Pipeline Surfer Tamayo Perry Killed in Shark Attack

Now, following the tragic news, the surf world is reacting to the loss of one of the greats, and rallying in support of those he left behind. (For donations, check out Tamayo's surf school website .) Here’s a handful of the tributes that have been pouring in.

“Tamayo Perry…man, this one is hard to believe. RIP brother. Thank you for your service as a lifeguard on the North Shore, holding it down at Pipeline for decades, and hosting the kids from the East Coast on their annual trek. You truly lived the life you loved. I’ll miss our daily exchanges of memes here. Gone too soon. #Legend.” – Kelly Slater (GOAT)

"Some of my best memories surfing Pipe when I was young were getting to watch Tamayo stand tall in 10-12 ft Pipe barrels, coming out smiling every time. I loved Tamayo and learned from him because he always told you how it was. Every day, whether he was in the water or being a lifeguard, he always had a big smile for our family. We will miss you Tamayo. Sending our love to his wife Emilia and family." – John John Florence (2x world champ)

“That’s how close I was to Tamayo, close to getting an ass beating. Rest in power to a great teacher for so many including myself. We truly lost a fucking real one.” – Dr. Cliff Kapono (surfer, scientist, activist)

“Tamayo took the time to shed light and experience on navigating one of the world’s deadliest beach breaks for a stranger he met that day. A leader in spirit and heart for sure…The world lost a good one yesterday. E hoʻomaha me ka maluhia Tamayo. Condolences to your family and friends, thanks for being a part of my story.” – Brian Nevins (photographer)

“We are deeply saddened to share that the surf community lost a beloved icon yesterday. A well-known surfer and lifeguard, Tamayo Perry, passed away after injuries from a shark attack that occurred on the East Side of Oahu. Tamayo was a Pipeline/Teahupo’o specialist, freesurfer, former competitor, and member of the WSL for many years. He became a lifeguard for the city and was a big part of the North Shore community. Our hearts go out to Tamayo’s family and friends.” – World Surf League

"I will praise my partners any chance I get. With countless successful rescues, Tamayo Perry deserves all the praise in the world. Quick with a smile and even quicker to jump into the line of duty, he was a corner stone to the Pipeline Tower. We appreciate you setting the bar so high, Tamayo. We will strive keep up with the pace you set." – Dave Wassel (North Shore Lifegaurd)

“Another tough one, one of the coolest guys ever. Born and raised on the east side of Oahu in a little town called Hau'ula, just around the corner from the North Shore where he made a name for himself surfing the Banzai Pipeline. One of the best All-Time Pipeline surfers. He's been a working lifeguard for many years, in one of the most demanding places to work. He was a part-time actor who was a buccaneer in one of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movies. We know he is at peace now with other friends and his mother up above. Many prayers for him and especially his wife Emelia, his father and all his close friends.” – Tom Servais (photographer)

"Sometimes it’s very hard to comprehend how the World works. Just a few weeks ago during my trip to Tahiti I was having a conversation about Tamayo Perry’s surfing at Teahupo’o and then two days ago I was talking about his surfing at Pipe. Today’s news that he’d died from a shark attack while surfing near Goat Island on the east coast of Oahu was a huge shock. A surfing legend. R.I.P. Tamayo." – Peter Joli (photographer)

“A warrior has fallen: Tamayo was a charger. Big barrels, you knew he would go. A large framed human with a deep voice, dark skin, and unafraid to clock ya if push came to shove and the honor of a spot was under threat of being disturbed. Tamayo was one-of-a-kind, a powerhouse, quirky, funny, scary, serious, silly, straight up…but most of all he was real with who he was and how he treated people. He loved people.” – Proctor Surfboards

Rest in peace, Tamayo.

To donate in memory of this legend, see Oahu Surfing Experience .

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