Surfing Legend Kelly Slater Lauds Awesome Gathering To Honor 61-Year-Old ‘Fallen Friend’

This year hasn’t been the best start for the surfing community. After a series of losses, the sphere remains shaken. Likewise, late surf cinematographer Larry Haynes’s sudden demise shocked many as he had recently showcased his ingenuity, at the Billabong Pipeline. In honor of Haynes, Hawaiian surfers organized a paddle-out parade to commemorate his legacy. The magnanimous effort was acknowledged by the greats of the sport, like surfing legend, Kelly Slater.

Slater shared a post featuring the parade on his Instagram story along with an insightful caption. The social media update spotlighted the massive gathering of the athletes, all remembering the legend for his pioneering work in the community.

Kelly Slater tributes Larry Haynes

In his Instagram story, G.O.A.T. surfer, Slater commended the gathering and saluted Haynes. “Awesome gathering to honor our fallen friend,” he wrote. Furthermore, he hailed the 61-year-old creative genius with a marked phrase, “#LongLiveLarryHarynes,” and tagged his social media handle below. The ceremony took place on Sunday, joining friends, family, and co-surfers in the moment. 

The captivating glimpse was originally posted by Peter King, a former surfer turned journalist. He offered prayers for the late artist’s loved ones and described him as a “legend.” Apparently, Haynes had attended the Billabong Pipeline Pro, clicking splendid pictures, after which the sad news followed. He was known for his amiable persona and endearing smile. Moreover, Haynes’s final moments were coincidentally captured by himself. 

Read More: “Miss You”: Surfing Legend Kelly Slater Shares an ‘Incredible’ Memory of Late Friend

Larry Haynes’s joyful final moments

As per a Youtube video by sources, heartwrenching glimpses of the icon’s last moments with the waves were left recorded in his GoPro camera. The video revealed him gleefully surfing with his signature smile. Moments later, Haynes fainted at the parking lot and was retrieved by the coast guards on February 13th. 

Later on, his friends received his surfing equipment where they discovered the video. “He had this incredible life right up till the end. You couldn’t have filled anymore into his life than he did,” one of his friends, Brian said. 

Watch This Sory: A Huge Shock For Surfing Fans Before Vans Pipeline From Kelly Slater and John Florence

The unfortunate demise of the surfer-filmmaker brought together a number of athletes to pay him a heartfelt tribute. Apart from that, the mind-blowing unity of the surfing domain is worthy of the world’s recognition.