Kelly Slater among mourners after Aussie surfer John Shimooka found dead

The surfing world is in mourning after hugely popular Australian surfing identity John Shimooka was found dead at his home, the legendary Kelly Slater leading the tributes.

Kelly Slater wrote a touching tribute to John Shimooka on his Instagram page. Picture: @kellyslater/Instagram

Kelly Slater and Tom Carroll have led tributes from across the surfing world for former world No.19 and Surfing NSW employee John Shimooka.

Shimooka, 51, was found dead in his Sutherland Shire home in the early hours of Monday morning.

Hugely popular for his effervescent character and drive to raise the profile of surfing, Shimooka leaves behind 21-year-old son Brandon.

Shimooka, who moved from Hawaii to call the beach breaks of Cronulla home in 1999, was runner-up to his best friend Sunny Garcia at Bells Beach in 1995, finishing nineteenth on the world tour the same year.

After leaving the tour, Shimooka became a manager for popular surfers Craig Anderson and Jordy Smith.

“The team at Surfing NSW is deeply distressed at the passing of one of our own, John Shimooka, in the early hours of Monday morning,’’ Surfing NSW announced on their Instagram page.

“A talented former world tour surfer, commentator, Jiu Jitsu black belt and general manager of partnerships for Surfing NSW since 2018, “Shmoo” was a much loved member of the global surfing community and the Surfing NSW family.

“He will be remembered for his passion for the lifestyle as well as his energy and enthusiasm.

“Everyone in our organisation joins his son, Brandon, immediate family, and his extended worldwide network of friends, in grieving his loss.

“It is our saddest day.

“We will commemorate and celebrate John’s life in the days and weeks to come.’’

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Slater also took to his Instagram, posting a picture of the pair together with the following: “My heart’s ripped out. I’m sorry, Shmoo,’’ Slater wrote.

“I thought we had this.”

Australian surf legend Tom Carroll also offered his shock at the news by writing: “No sense. I thought so too. Shmoo RIP.”

The wife of former world champion surfer Andy Irons summed up the sentiment which has reverberated across the surfing globe by simply writing: “Absolutely crushed.”

Lisa Anderson, who won the world title four-times, wrote: “I’m lost for words. Hope you are at peace.”

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The WSL is saddened to learn of the passing of John Shimooka. A former CT surfer, industry executive, commentator, and coach, he made a major impact on the surfing world. Our hearts are with his family and friends. RIP John (1969 - 2020). pic.twitter.com/GgYzQcbYQG

— World Surf League (@wsl) November 16, 2020