December 23, 1995, began with a sunny morning, typical of tropical locations like the North Shore. The sky showcased a turquoise hue, and the ocean was filled with towering waves. All these elements combined to create an ideal surfing day for enthusiasts. At Waimea Bay on the North Shore, one could anticipate a large gathering of big-wave surfers on a day like this. That’s what happened on December 23, 1995. The big wave surfers gathered on the shore and the surfing enthusiasts were ready with cameras and cheering words to add the missing piece to the atmosphere. But no one could have expected the subsequent events. 

On that day, Donnie Solomon lost his life while surfing in Waimea Bay on the North Shore. Known as a revered big wave surfer among the fans, Donnie failed to avoid the jaws of gigantic waves and was sucked over the falls. His body was recovered later, but not his pulse. Almost 29 years have passed since that day. Still, a surfing legend perfectly remembers the fateful date. Recently, he shared something related to that day. 

The surfing maestro closely remembers his late friend 

Being a staunch follower of big wave surfing and avid surfer on the North Shore, Kelly Slater had a firm bond with Donnie Solomon. He witnessed the late surfer’s mastery of the enormous waves and contribution to the local surfing community. All those pieces of memories have become a part of Kelly’s life now. But there’s something that once had largely been untold. What’s that? On December 29 this year, the 11-time WSL champion re-shared Donnie Solomon’s surfing image on his Instagram story. Along with that, in the caption, he penned a few emotional lines. 

As per the lines, Kelly Slater and Ross Clark-Jones surfed with Donnie on that fateful day. His lines read, “Riding his last wave, @rcj6666 and I drop in in front of Donnie Solomon. Donnie drown about 15 minutes after this ride.” As per Donnie’s father’s Instagram post, his late son felt super excited that day before attending the surfing session. Why? He got the opportunity to surf with Kelly Slater. But life had planned something beforehand. Both Slater and Clark-Jones couldn’t save the budding talent from being sucked into the waves. The pain perhaps still haunts the 52-year-old legend. In his post, Kelly wrote, “He [Donnie Solomon] said it the greatest ride of his life as he cried tears of joy on the way back out to the lineup. Life’s most bittersweet memory.” 29 years ago, Donnie couldn’t paddle himself out of the big waves. Ross Clark-Jones, however, rode the wave. 

The back-to-back enormous waves pushed Donnie down, disrupting every effort to keep his body out of the water. Later, the rescuers got his body out of the water and brought it to shore. But that was too late to revive him. Nonetheless, the wave couldn’t wash away his memory. The individuals still remember him as a noble soul. 

The immortal shadow still lives

A surfing accident can take away someone’s life. But the contribution or achievements can still breathe. Want an example? Donnie Solomon. After the incident in December 1995, many press outlets failed to report the entire incident. Yet the individuals didn’t forget him completely. Being a passionate supporter of the Red Cross, Donnie would visit local chapters while tracking waves and racing in the World Surf League, inspiring other surfers to do the same. He also believed that lifeguarding and safety training in first aid and CPR were essential for all watermen. Because of that, he continued to motivate the local young people on the topic. Those marks have still kept him alive among the fans and the surfing communities. In between these, there’s something magical. 

It is about friendship. During his lifetime, Donnie preferred his friends and continued to noble work for the Red Cross. Remembering that, a few days ago, his father wrote on Instagram, “His service with the Red Cross was just becoming a well-oiled machine. He had done a few “missions” with them and found himself inspired. He was what this world needed. He was also building his pro career and that is exactly why he was on the North Shore surfing and hanging out with the “Momentum Crew.” He along with the Malloy’s, Slater, Chesser, and Machado, etc. He was exactly where he was supposed to be and he was soaking it all in.” Now, 29 years later, his friend, Slater still remembers him. It may be a small token of gift to that immortal bond.