Vale Geoff McCoy: Tributes flow for legendary Byron Bay, Tweed Heads surfboard shaper

“Every time I catch a good wave I thank Geoff for his creation”. The North Coast surfing community is mourning the loss of one of Australia’s most well-known surfboard shapers.

Legendary North Coast surfboard shaper Geoff McCoy has died. Picture: Facebook

A North Coast surfing legend who made waves with his offbeat designs and was dubbed the “Leonardo da Vinci” of board shapers has left a tsunami-sized hole in the industry, with tributes flowing for the “creative genius”.

Geoff McCoy died in Byron Bay on Tuesday at the age of 76 – a shocking blow to both the local and national surfing community.

McCoy (right) made waves in the industry. Picture: Facebook

Known for pioneering an unusual ‘nugget’ design surfboard – the ‘Lazor Zap’ – McCoy was a trailblazer in the sport. His unique designs were eventually aped by countless imitators, paving the way for what are now deemed as ‘fun boards’ – with a high performance edge.

McCoy was a titan of the sport and well-known in Byron Bay, Tweed and The Central Coast. Picture: Facebook

Having operated stores in Byron Bay, The Central Coast and most recently Tweed Heads South, Mr McCoy’s family, friends and the Australian surfing community took to social media to mourn the iconic industry figure.

Legendary Coolangatta surfer and former ASP world champion Peter Townend wrote: “In the seventies and into the eighties, there was no bigger brand in Australia than McCoy Surfboards.”

McCoy shredding. Picture: Facebook

“As a shaper/designer he was always innovative with a surf team of the highest order. His work with Cheyne Horan was pivotal in the no nose concept with the Lazor Zap design that totally changed the philosophy on where the wide point should be. We’ve lost another good one!”

Mr McCoy’s wife Anne wrote: “Geoff McCoy has caught his last wave home. His craft was his passion. 28/6/1944 – 22/4/2024.”

McCoy with one of his designs. Picture: Facebook

Ian Brown added: “Everytime l catch a good wave I thank Geoff for his creation.”

“I called Geoff Santa Claus because he made me my favourite presents. He had totally original ideas.

“The last time l spoke with Geoff was March 28. I told him to go to hospital as he felt weird in his stomach. I asked him the next day if he went and he said no.

“Fly high Geoffrey. I will miss talking to you.”

Cameron Daly commented on Mr Brown’s post: “Having ridden versions of his boards for years (and still do) I understand your connection and feel your loss. He was a genius.”

In the shaping bay. Picture: Facebook

Colin Sutherland, who was sponsored by McCoy in his youth, wrote: “Geoff was a top guy and one of the most innovative shapers. An icon who had a huge influence on people’s surfing careers and the surfboard industry.”

Brett Munro wrote: “Iconic shaper, huge character and many stories and laughs shared. It was great to be in the shaping room next to yours in the old T & C (Town & Country). Ride high mate.”

McCoy’s vibrant colours and designs became his hallmark. Picture: Facebook

Central Coast Surf Museum wrote that Mr McCoy “helped push the limits in shaping history” and spent many years shaping on The Central Coast, “promoting local groms”.

Online surfing publication Beach Grit called Mr McCoy “the most dominant force in surfing around the world.”

He died in Byron Bay on Tuesday at the age of 76. Picture: Facebook

“They sure don’t make ‘em like ol Geoff McCoy anymore and maybe there’ll never be another like him. A child of the fifties and sixties, a man of the seventies and eighties, unsullied by the viruses of the modern world,” journalist Derek Rielly wrote.

“The legendary surfboard shaper and designer whose no-nose concept paved the way, at least partly, for the modern thruster outline has died in Byron Bay, aged seventy-six.

“Geoff McCoy, described so poetically by Matt Warshaw as “creative, intense, cocksure” is best-known for his Lazor Zap design, a tear-drop shaped surfboard with a big ass and a needle d —k that Cheyne Horan rode to consecutive world title runner-up finishes in 1981 and 1982.”

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Originally published as Vale Geoff McCoy: Tributes flow for legendary Byron Bay, Tweed Heads surfboard shaper