Torquay farewells Steve Perry

THE Torquay surfing community gathered in force on Thursday to farewell Oakley Australia founder and Torquay surf icon Steve Perry.

Hundreds of family, friends, and fellow surfers helped form a huge guard of honour at Cosy Corner stretching from the edge of the sand to the water before the traditional paddle out.

Mr Perry passed away in Jan Juc on April 21.

Speaking to Australasian Surf Business Magazine, former World Surf League Championship Tour surfer and friend of the Perry family Nic Muscroft said the turnout was amazing.

“You could barely make out the people in the middle of the circle, let alone the people on the other side, it was so big. There were maybe two or three hundred surfers out there, with that and more on the beach.”

Surf industry founders and prominent Torquay surf identities including John Law, Alan Green, Doug Warbrick, Brian Singer, Neil Ridgeway, Maurice Cole and Michael Di Sciascio have paid tribute to Mr Perry.

“I just cannot find the words to describe what an incredible friend and brother Steve has been for the last 46 years,” Mr Cole said.

“He was a great man who touched the lives of so many people. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Perry family. He certainly gave more than he took and was one of the greatest humans I have ever had the pleasure to know.

“It’s a sad day in Torquay,” Mr Di Sciascio said.

“Steve’s impact and legacy in the local, surfing and surf industry communities is enormous.”