Iconic Australian surfer Shane Herring has passed away. Tributes have begun to pour in on social media for the regular-footed powerhouse who was born in 1971 on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The full details of his death are yet to be confirmed.
Shane’s dad was a lifeguard and his mum, a barmaid. His parents split when he was very young and he moved with his mother, Sandy, and brother, Brett, to Dee Why. It was there that they started surfing.
Herro’s raw, on rail flair gave his surfing a timeless quality and earned him a cult following throughout his career. His greatest competitive success came in 1992 when he beat Kelly Slater in the final of the Coke Classic held at Narrabeen. The result shot him to first place on the World Rankings at the time. Here’s what Kelly had to say about Shane: “I was blown away by Herro’s low centre of gravity and ability to carve on the curve perfectly. I think what he gave up on … speed/drive (due to constant rocker) he more than made up for in creative lines.”
The quote was taken from Monty Webber’s Dark Lineage piece on Shane which featured in Issue 594 of our mag. In the piece Monty speaks about Shane being the nicest bloke he had ever met.
“To say I was blown away by Shane’s surfing would be an understatement. He was the most intense, precise, and muscular Australian power surfer I’d seen since Tom Carroll or Occy. He was super fit, flexible, and focused. Every time he got to his feet on his surfboard he looked like he was shaping up in a UFC match. Every turn he did was a fierce slice or searing gouge. He surfed that day, and every day for the next 12 months, like he was in the final of a pro event. When he actually made it into the final of a pro event, the Coke Classic, he won it.
“Shane was also the most willing and helpful surfer I ever filmed; and I’ve filmed many. No other surfer ever asked me before a surf, where I would like them to surf, or after a surf, if there was anything else that they could do for me. “Have you got enough footage? Or would you like me to go back out there and get a few more?” In short, Shane was not only the best surfer I’d ever filmed, he was also the most considerate.”
Others have taken to social media to express their sympathies towards Shane’s passion.
On Instagram Harry Bryant wrote: “One of the best surfers to ever come out of Australia. R.I.P Herro.”
The Swellians added: “An incredible surfer, a radical life. RIP Shane. Much love to family and friends.”
Tracks would like to extends its deepest condolences to Shane, his family and friends during this time. RIP Shane.
You can also check out Monty Webber’s Journey On documentary below which takes a deeper dive into Shane’s talent and time in the spotlight.
