Renowned Pipeline rider and lifeguard Tamayo Perry has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack on Oahu’s East Side today.
The attack occurred at Goat Island, a surf zone a few hundred yards offshore near Laie. Lifeguards were alerted to the incident some time before 1pm, and recovered Tamayo’s body in the process.
Tamayo, 49, was born and raised on Oahu and made his surfing name with brilliant deep tube-riding performances at the Pipeline, winning the Pipe Masters Trials in 1999. He also became well-known for great surfing at Teahupoo in Tahiti, where he traveled with wife Emilia, also a skilled surfer.
Right at home at Pipeline. Photo: Laserwolf
Perry had been a North Shore fixture for decades. Photo: Pete Hodgson
He suffered a near-fatal head injury at Pipe after being hit by a surfboard that was abandoned by its rider. Partly as a result, he committed his surfing life to teaching good surf etiquette and safe practices for all surfers, and built a new career as a North Shore lifeguard with Honolulu Ocean Safety in 2016. He also ran a surf school, Oahu Surfing Experience, with Emilia.
Tamayo was a happy-go-lucky, big-hearted person who endeared himself to many friends both in Hawaii and worldwide. Surfline extends our sympathy and condolences to Emilia and to their extended families and friends.
On surfari on Rapa Nui. Photo: Seth Stafford
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