Photo: Tim McKenna
Jack McCoy, the visionary surf filmmaker whose iconic work redefined the genre and inspired generations of surfers and storytellers, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, at the age of 76.
Over a career spanning five decades, he crafted some of the most celebrated surf films of all time, including Tubular Swells, The Performers, Bunyip Dreaming, Sons of Fun, Green Iguana, Sik Joy, The Occumentary, Blue Horizon and a Deeper shade of Blue. His groundbreaking underwater cinematography and deep respect for Indigenous cultures brought a poetic dimension to surf storytelling.
McCoy’s collaborations with legends like Mark Occhilupo and Dave Rastovich, and his unrelenting pursuit of the perfect wave, helped shape modern surf culture. Beyond his technical innovation, McCoy was known for his generosity, humility, and infectious enthusiasm.
He once said, “Surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way to connect with the Earth, the ocean, and each other.” That ethos lives on in his films, which continue to mesmerize audiences worldwide.
Our thoughts are with his wife, children and friends. His legacy will roll on like the swells he so passionately captured—timeless, powerful, and full of life.
RIP legend
Photo: Joliphotos
