How Should We Remember Tamayo Perry?
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| Not at Pipeline, where he made his legacy, but at Teahupo'o. Tamayo Perry was, by all accounts, a world-class barrel rider. |
Friends and family inundate social media with heartfelt messages about one of the North Shore's beloved pillars.
It's poignant that we often don't get to hear what others love and respect about us until after we're gone. The outpouring of love and nostalgia typically arrives posthumously. While we may not be able to see it on Instagram, it's heartening that obituaries are now crafted by those closest to us, not just by assigned journalists.
On that note, here are three touching tributes to Tamayo that have been written:
From Moana Jones Wong:
"If you know Tamayo, you know his two favorite spots were Goats and Pipe. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent in the lineup at both spots with him and his wife, Emilia Perry. I will cherish all of our memories forever. I would always joke around and tell them I was the daughter they never had. Tamayo, you were one of a kind, and I love you so much. You and Emilia were always some of my biggest supporters at Pipe, and Goats, of course. We are gonna miss you forever. Today when I heard someone passed at Goats, for some reason I knew it was you (probably because I know your routine so well and I know there’s only a few of us who always surf this spot), but when I got confirmation it was you, my heart sank.
When I went down there just now, it was dark and gloomy and victory-at-sea, but when I placed four flowers in the lava pond and took out my phone to record, the clouds parted just enough to light up the surf spot, and the flowers got taken into the ocean in that moment, and I knew you were there. I won’t be out there again anytime soon, but when I do go back out, I’ll know you are there and always will be. His blood runs through these waters, he is home, he is part of this place forever."
From Tom Carroll:
"Oh man. Weighty news. Bless you, Tamayo. May you rest in Love, brother. I have such special memories with you at Pipe, sitting way over inside, taking each other deeper. There was always a beautiful energy emanating from your soul, whether on water or land. Thank you for simply being you! My heart goes out to those who loved you and are now navigating through grief. Sending big love to you all."
And from Shayden Pacarro:
"Sad to lose a good friend and hero, but what a legend from start to finish! Besides Pipeline, Tamayo is the GOAT island mascot! He deserves a statue over there!"
Tamayo Perry, 49, was a remarkable Pipe specialist, Hollywood stuntman, father, and friend. He tragically lost his life in a fatal shark attack near Laie, Hawaii earlier today. As we reflect on his life, we hope to honor his legacy and continue learning more about him from those who cherished him. Thank you for your dedication to surfing, Tamayo.
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