The shaper, a pioneer of big wave surfing on Hawaii’s North Shore and father of three-time world surfing champion Tom Curren, has died at the age of 90.
Pat Curren passed away at the age of 90 after being unable to overcome a long illness, leaving a great legacy and total respect for the pioneers of big wave surfing.
Curren was a pioneer of big waves, one of the best surfers of the 50s and 60s. He starred in some of the first generation surf movies like Surf Crazy (1959), Barefoot Adventure (1960), Cavalcade of Surf (1962) or Gun Ho! (1963).
Known for his magnetism and for being nearly mute, he built his reputation on his quirky sense of humor and his often disconcerting personality.
His aspect as a shaper is the other great legacy that he leaves behind.
He made the first big wave guns designed for surfing Waimea Bay. His Elephant Gun boards are among the most sought after among surf collectors, selling for up to $25,000.
Pat Curren also leaves behind his son Tom Curren, a three-time world champion surfer.
