Al Byrne, then and now. Images: ByrningSpears.com / Hot Stuff Surf
Al Byrne, famous surfer and shaping pioneer, famous for his channel-bottom boards, passed last weekends due to injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident. Byrne, 64 years old, was riding home from the Expression Session at the Rip Curl Cup at Padang Padang.
He was found Saturday morning, taken to Jimbaran hospital where he was treated for a broken arm, a fractured skull and bleeding in his brain. His family came to Bali to be by his side for his final moments. Rumors have it that Al was surfing insane in the Padang Padang expression session.
Al was well known for using his Air Force experience to perfect the six-channel design on surfboards in the 70’s and 80’s, putting magical boards under surfers’ feet. He also was a killer competitor, taking second place at the legendary Pipeline Masters in 1981. In addition to those accomplishments, Al was a charger, towing Phantoms for his 60th birthday.
Originally from New Zealand, Byrne eventually made his home on the surf-rich Gold Coast of Australia in 1975 which afforded his boards and him plenty of exposure.
It’s very sad to hear that the surf industry has lost another legend; especially, a man like Al Byrne who is known to have charged all the way up to the end. Our condolences go out to Al’s family and friends. We sure hope you’re surfing in paradise with endless barrels all day long. Aloha.
