The surfing display was dazzling. The wetsuits added an extra touch.Few have shone as brightly and intensely during their time on earth as Shawn “Barney” Barron, whose vibrantly themed neoprene suits mirrored his high-energy surfing in his home town of Santa Cruz.
On Sunday, March 4, it was the 10-year mark since his passing at the young age of 44. Affectionately called Barney, he was an exceptionally gifted artist with a penchant for self-expression through unconventional and daring methods. Thus, it seemed perfectly appropriate that his close friends—among them Westside resident and Mavericks icon Darryl “Flea” Virostko—paid tribute to him by organizing a surfing competition that reflected his vibrant spirit.
Related: Honoring Shawn “Barney” Barron
The Cinco de Barney airshow, which has taken place annually at Steamer Lane for the last seven years, is truly a communal event. Young surfers dressed in rash guards throw themselves from the cliffs before trying to launch over the wave edge. Spectators gather along the cliff, turning it into a natural surfing arena. Car tailgating starts, with people opening coolers filled with beers and sodas while barbecues light up. It’s party time. Everything operates on donations, managed entirely by volunteers. The winners divide the entrance fees among themselves as a reward and also get pieces of Barney’s artwork for their participation.
In keeping with Barney’s unorthodox flair, the series revolves around merging innovation with exhilarating surfing. The intensity displayed in the waves is paralleled solely by the enthusiasm witnessed atop the cliffs as audiences cheer, shout, and whistle at each ride. Among this year’s standout contenders, Kora “Kaikora” Nauenberg stands out.
using modified straight airflow
, John Mell for
lubricating several complete hands-free spins on the left side starting from Middle Peak
, and Olai Moon, who had flip-flops over his wetsuit while
executing a big frontside air reversal.
Although Barney passed away before these events could take place, his influence remains significant for the younger generation. “I really enjoyed commemorating”
@shawnbarneybarronart
Kora posted on Instagram, saying ‘He was an incredible legend and has always been one of my greatest sources of inspiration!’
Flea spent his childhood with Barney and rode alongside him across the globe. Their partnership began from their days surfing together on the West Side before moving onto spots like Mavericks and even further afield. On Sunday, Flea recounted an anecdote involving his late friend to some young surfers. In the ’90s, both of them found themselves competing in Western Australia. Regardless of whether it was due to kangaroos or the quality of the waves, Barney exhibited quite exuberant behavior, almost jittery with excitement. They encountered lively conditions at The Box where things became particularly engaging. With perfect swells rolling through and Barney feeling highly energized, he managed to paddle ahead of others and tease none other than Kelly Slater. Later, he produced a substantial, chunky wave that ultimately led to an unforgettable moment.
August 1996 cover of
Surfing Magazine.
It was quite an intense experience, Box tackled it though. The whole thing made for a hilarious tale, and I enjoyed sharing it with the younger guys,” Flea mentioned. However, this anecdote highlights a broader issue concerning inclusivity and acceptance, which Flea articulates effectively. “Every individual is distinctive, and each person faces their own set of challenges,” he stated. “It’s important we welcome them and understand what they’re enduring. Shed light on these situations, stay mindful of your friends and recognize what they might be experiencing.
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