Barry Bennett: Tributes flow for surfboard pioneer, Bennett Boards founder, surf life saving legend

A “true ocean man”, “a character” and a “lovely person” who lived “an extraordinary life’. There’s a wave of tributes for surfboard pioneer and surf life saving legend Barry Bennett.

Barry Bennett poses during a photo shoot in his surfboard showroom at Brookvale after receiving his OAM.

A wave of tributes has been triggered by news of the passing of world famous surfboard designer and “ocean man’’ Barry Bennett.

One of the “Brookvale Six” - pioneers of the industry in Australia who helped launch surfing into the mainstream culture - he was well known, held in high esteem, loved and respected in both the surfing and surf life saving communities on the northern beaches and beyond.

“It is with is great sadness that the Bennett Family announces the death of Barry Bennett. A true legend and pioneer for the Australian Surfing Industry,’’ Bennett Surfboards posted on their Facebook page on Tuesday.

Barry Bennett in 2020.

“His achievements and successes were shared with Margaret and the Bennett Family who will forever cherish Barry and his legacy.

“Words can’t express the families loss at this time and we know that this loss will be deeply felt by many.’’

Ironman and Coolangatta Gold legend Guy Leech said Bennett was one of the first person he met when he joined Manly surf life saving club as a kid.

1984 Coolangatta Gold winner Guy Leech.

Guy Leech knew Barry Bennett well.

“He was synonymous with Manly surf life saving club, he was always around and my first board I got for training for ironman was a Bennett board.

“Over the years I won nearly everything with their paddles, the Coolangatta Gold, Nutri-Grain and Uncle Toby’s, Molokai.

“I knew him really well. He had a strong, silent resilience.

“He was tough, fit, an ocean man. “He is a surfing legend and lived an amazing life.’’

Layne Beachley said Barry Bennett was a “real character’’.

Seven time world champion Layne Beachley said Bennett had been a big part of the northern beaches community.

“He was a lovely man, very community oriented, loved his life saving, his surfing, loved the ocean,’’ she said.

“Some of my first boards were Bennett foam blanks. He was one of my first sponsors.

“He was a bit of a character and he will be sorely missed.

“We are grateful for the impact he had on the surfing world.

“The Bennett brand is notorious. Every clubbie I see paddling out is on a Bennett board which is a testament to him.

Barry Bennett at work. Picture: Facebook

Bennett, who was inducted into the International Surfboard Builders Hall Of Fame and received an Order of Australia Medal for his extraordinary contribution to the sport, was the founder of Bennett Surfboards at Brookvale

“My first surfboard at the age of 12 was a BB 6’10” single fin round tail. Even now at 67 that board lives on in so many fond memories and epic surf recollections. Thanks BB you enriched my life. RIP and sincere condolences to all your family and friends,’’ wrote Karloss Fuego on Facebook.

“A true legend and gentleman my thoughts and prayers are with you,’’ wrote Daniel Fletcher

“Wow a true legend of the surf they don’t make em like Bas any more RIP mate condolences to the family,’’ wrote Sean Connell.

“RIP Australian surfing icon condolences to all the family,’’ wrote Phil Myers.