Last month, the surfing world stood still after hearing of the passing of surfing legend, father, husband, and dear friend, Shawn “Barney” Barron. Barron was renowned for being one of the hardest charging people at Maverick’s, as well as his incredible aerial surfing. He volunteered at the Mauli Ola Foundation and Operation Surf for years, introducing kids with cystic fibrosis and wounded military veterans to surfing. Anyone who knew Barron would agree he was a unique and selfless individual. And although his life was tragically cut short at the early age of 44, his time spent here made a profound impact on the global surfing community—especially within the local Santa Cruz community, which is so apparent here at his memorial paddle out ceremony. Our deepest sympathies to Shawn’s family, friends, and the entire Santa Cruz community. He will be sorely missed.
