Shane Herring, the Dee Why surfer who once defeated Kelly Slater at the peak of his career in the Coke Classic finals in Sydney in 1992, has died at home, leaving the Australian surfing community in mourning.
The local Dee Why community and the wider surfing world are remembering Shane Herring, a man whose talent shone brightly but briefly. Herring, aged 53, passed away in his West Tweed apartment after a fall down stairs in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Reports indicate he suffered a head injury, ate something from his fridge, and then went to sleep, never to wake up. Herring was a figure of immense talent, known for his explosive surfing style and influence on modern surfboard design.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born and raised in the heart of Dee Why, Herring began surfing at a young age, quickly developing a reputation for his exceptional skill. By the early 1990s, he had become a leading figure in the “banana board” movement, riding highly rockered surfboards with deep concaves designed by Greg Webber.
His unique style, characterised by powerful turns and high-speed manoeuvres, set him apart from his peers. In 1992, Herring achieved his most famous victory, defeating Kelly Slater in the final of the Coke Classic at Narrabeen. This win propelled him to the top of surfing, with many predicting a long and successful career.
Challenges and Decline
Despite his early success, Herring’s career was short-lived. He struggled with the pressures of fame and the professional surfing lifestyle, and his form began to decline. He faced challenges with the big waves of Pipeline in Hawaii, which hindered his chances of a world title. By 1994, he had retired from the World Championship Tour.
Off the waves, Herring battled with alcohol and drug addiction for many years, leading to a period of isolation and health problems. He struggled with the transition from surfing success to a regular life. Friends and fellow surfers noted he struggled to cope with the spotlight.
Legacy and Remembrance
Despite his challenges, Herring’s impact on surfing remains significant. His innovative surfing style and influence on surfboard design have left a lasting mark on the sport. Kelly Slater, among others, acknowledged Herring’s talent and his contribution to surfing.
In recent years, Herring has been working on a new line of surfboards with shaper Jimmy Young-Whitforde, collaborating with Greg Webber, and aiming to produce custom designs. Friends described Herring as a “classic little leprechaun” with a kind and gentle nature. His legacy is remembered by those who saw him surf at Dee Why Point and those who saw him ride the waves with a connection to the water itself.
Herring’s passing is a sad loss to the Dee Why community and the wider surfing world.
Published Date 19-March-2025