Photo: Taylor Steele // Instagram
Greg Browning has passed away. The beloved surf filmmaker and member of the Momentum Generation had been battling ALS since a diagnosis in 2023.
Browning grew up in the South Bay of Los Angeles. As part of the Momentum Generation, he surfed alongside Rob Machado and Kelly Slater. From there, he transitioned into surf filmmaking. He created many iconic surf films, but may be best remembered for the Drive Thru series. Later on, he took on the role of surf coach for some of the world’s best competitors, including Carissa Moore and Tatiana Weston-Webb – all while still remaining a filmmaker.
As Browning told KCAL News last year, he first noticed something was wrong when he felt weakness in his left arm while paddling. Soon after, a surfing injury prompted a months-long investigation into the cause. Finally, Browning was diagnosed with ALS and told he most likely had three to five years to live.
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“Some people live with such quiet kindness and courage that it leaves the rest of us in awe,” wrote longtime friend, filmmaker and collaborator Taylor Steele on Instagram. “World class surfer, iconic filmmaker of Drive Thru series and many other legendary films, 17 clothing founder, friend and epic father. We have been friends for 30 years plus and went through different life challenges but Greg was consistently the most considerate person I’ve ever met. But it was in his final chapter — facing ALS — that he revealed a deeper power. Not just in how he endured, but in how he showed up for others, even as his body faded.
“He never made it about him. He stayed kind, curious, and deeply intentional — offering laughter, perspective, and still lifting people around him when he had every reason to fold inward. And even now, I’m still trying to wrap my head around just how much he gave.
“You’ll always be with us inspiring us to be more selfless, more giving and more like you (who) effortlessly lived with love.”
