The World Surf League tweeted they were “saddened” by the news and paid respect to Shimooka’s “major impact’ on the sport. However, his undeniable surfing talent was equally matched by an insatiable. Rod Kerr had one of most successful amateur careers in Australian surfing history, and he seemed destined for big things when he went on the ASP Tour in 1987. Surging icon Slater led the tributes and posted a photo of the pair. Rod Kerr: On Surfing, Lifeguarding And Reality TV. “He will be remembered for his passion for the lifestyle as well as his energy and enthusiasm.” Kelly Slater leads tributes for ‘Schmoo’
“A talented former world tour surfer, commentator, Jiu Jitsu black belt and General Manager of Partnerships for Surfing NSW since 2018, “Shmoo” was a much loved member of the global surfing community and the Surfing NSW family. “The team at Surfing NSW is deeply distressed at the passing of one of our own, John Shimooka, in the early hours of Monday morning,” it said. NSW surfing confirmed his death on Monday in a statement. The surfing icon had been working for Surfing NSW for the last three years. Post-tour, Shmoo also became a master of reinvention. No one took command of the box quite like Shmoo.
His raconteur skills helped him segue from pro surfing into a commentary career. He moved to Australia from Hawaii in the late 1990s. As Shmoo delivered his rapid-fire, impromptu pieces-to-camera he seemed as much an entertainer as he was a surfer. Shimooka was loved within the community for his big personality and dedication to the sport. A post shared by Surfing NSW then took up commentary and hosting. Kelly Slater, an 11-time world surfing champion, paid tribute to Shimooka on Instagram, saying: My heart’s ripped out.
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