The Hawaiian and international surfing community is in mourning after tragic news that shook the North Shore of Oahu, the island with the best waves in the Pacific archipelago, this weekend. There, the local surfer Tamayo Perry passed away on Sunday after being attacked by a shark while surfing near Goat Island. Perry, known for his ability to dominate the most famous – and dangerous – wave in the world, Pipeline, as well as for his participation in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise, leaves a deep void among his friends and admirers.
Who was Tamayo Perry
Tamayo Perry, born in 1975 on the east side of Oahu, He started surfing at 12 years old. His Unique tubes style, influenced by surf legends like Gerry Lopez and Tom Carroll, catapulted him to fame in the world of surfing. Although he often had to borrow boards due to lack of sponsorship, his passion and talent earned him a special place in the surfing community.
On a sporting level and despite the difficulties in finding sponsors, Perry had his big moment in the late 90s and early 2000s, achieving a victory in the Pipe Masters Trials and a 5th place at the Billabong Pro Trials in Teahupoo. In 2005 was considered “the most dominant” in Pipeline.
It was at Pipeline, therefore, where he had his closest experience with death before receiving the shark attack. A surfboard hit him in the head and nearly killed him. After that, he also began his career as a lifeguard with Honolulu Ocean Safety.
Because Perry was not only an outstanding surfer, but also a man of devout faith and a community leader. Around that time He also founded the Oahu Surfing Experience surf school with his wife., the Australian bodyboarder Emilia Perry, with whom she often traveled to another of the most brutal waves in the world, Teahupoo. The wave of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, by the way.
Tamayo Perry in the movies
Tamayo Perry also left a mark in the world of cinema, standing out as a stuntman and actor in several renowned productions. His ability on the waves and his natural charisma allowed him to participate in films such as “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (2011), where he played a skilled pirate. Additionally, he had roles in “Blue Crush” (2002) and “Charlie’s Angels: Al Límite” (2003)- Perry also appeared in the television series “Hawaii 5.0”, bringing their authenticity and local knowledge to the production.
“A teacher for many”
On Sunday afternoon, an emergency call alerted lifeguards to a shark attack. Although Perry was quickly rescued and brought to shore, nothing could be done to save his life. This tragic incident marks the first surfer death from shark attack on Oahu, according to the Hawaii Department of Aquatic Resources. There have been famous non-fatal attacks like that of Bethany Hamilton, or fatal attacks on the island of Maui. But not on Oahu, which is why his death has left more of a mark, if possible.
“Tamayo was a true teacher for many, including me. “We have lost one of the greats,” said the respected surfer. Cliff Kapono. Brian Nevinsphotographer, also remembered Perry as “a leader in spirit and heart.”
The World Surf League issued a statement mourning the loss of Perry: “It was a Pipeline and Teahupoo specialist, competitor, and member of the WSL for many years. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
And there were many more. The last post on his Instagram profile, a farewell one, thanks them all like this: “We all want to be the hero of our own story, One of the redeeming characteristics of humanity is our desire to always follow our convictions without fear. Few of us are capable of truly being that hero, Tamayo Perry was, is and will be forever. He was everyone’s big brother, stern and unyielding with an infectious smile and kolohe. He was your savior in times of need, your security when everything fell apart. He was a knight forged in the fires of the North Coast in the 90s, his faith in Christ the rock upon which he stood. There are few who truly follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Tamayo never took his eyes off the road. Although his departure is tragic, he left this world doing what he loved where he loved to do it. We find strength in knowing that he is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, surfing tubes at Pipeline with his friends who came before him.”
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