Big wave surf pioneer Trevor Elms remembered for his exploits in the water

FRANGIPANIS rained on Rainbow Bay in remembrance of surf pioneer Trevor Elms. The man dubbed “the waterman”, died last Sunday after a battle with cancer.

Facebook photos of Trevor Elms in his heyday.

FRANGIPANIS rained on Rainbow Bay yesterday in remembrance of surf pioneer Trevor Elms.

The 73-year-old from Kirra, affectionately dubbed “the waterman”, died last Sunday at John Flynn Hospital after a battle with cancer.

Carmel, his wife of 43 years, went up in a light aircraft to throw flowers from the sky.

She said she would remember the love of her life as an “honest and humble man” who fell in love with Hawaii’s big waves.

Mr Elms was also well known on the Gold Coast for his surfing and diving exploits.

“He was over in Hawaii in 1965-66 and he befriended all the surfers,” Mrs Elms said.

Facebook photos of Trevor Elms in his heyday.

“He associated with all the legends of surfing and he said they were some of the best years of his life while surfing over there.

“This was back in the 60s when surfing wasn’t as common as it is now.

“He was blazing the trail, as they say, for the younger generation of surfers.

“We went over there last year to say goodbye to everyone because he knew he wouldn’t make it back to Hawaii — they treated us like the king and queen.”

Mr Elms was a fearless young surfer who tackled waves twice his height but was also a proud family man to his two daughters Amanda and Belinda, and his four grandchildren.

Dozens of his friends gathered on the sand at Rainbow Bay yesterday morning and made a t-shape with their surfboards.

Facebook photos of Trevor Elms in his heyday.

Gold Coast surfing personality Andrew McKinnon said Mr Elms was one of the city’s “unsung surfing hero” and a great mentor of his.

“He started surfing for his pleasure, he wasn’t concerned with notoriety or making a name for himself,” he said.

“Trevor was the first Queensland surfing champion because they started officially recording in 1964.

“He was really strong, powerful and a fast paddler.”

Mr Elms then met Jose Angel who introduced him to deep sea diving and the pair collected black coral.

Coming home in 1967, he was greeted by a short board revolution but Gold Coast surfers continue to respect his local knowledge.

Former world champion Wayne ‘Rabbit” Bartholomew said Mr Elms was well-known in the surfing community.

“He was much loved and respected,” the Gold Coast surfer said.