The surfing world is mourning the loss of Troy Hirst, a beloved New Zealand surfer whose influence stretched from the rugged beaches of Auckland’s west coast to the perfect reefs of Indonesia.
Praise and pain have poured in from across the globe following news of Hirst’s passing, with friends, family, and fellow surfers remembering a man who dedicated his life to surfing and the communities that surrounded it.
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Troy Hirst,” Rip Curl Indonesia wrote in a tribute. “Troy was a devoted father to Mikayla and Westen, and a cherished member of the Lakey Peak, Bali, and New Zealand surfing communities. Through his kindness, friendship, and love of surfing, he touched the lives of many and leaves behind a lasting legacy.”
Long before he became a fixture in Indonesia, Hirst was one of New Zealand’s brightest young talents.
According to Surfing New Zealand, Hirst rose rapidly through the country’s competitive ranks and became one of the youngest surfers ever to win the Open Men’s Division at the National Championships. At just 16 years old, he claimed the title at Piha in 1993, thriving in the powerful surf conditions that have shaped generations of Kiwi surfers.
“Muriwai’s Troy Hirst rose through the Grom ranks in New Zealand to become one of the youngest winners of the Open Men’s Division at 16 years of age,” Surfing New Zealand recalled. “The 1993 relocated National Championships were completed at Piha and Troy lapped up the big conditions to take the title.”
His performances earned international attention, including appearances (and a cover shot) in Australia’s Surfing Life Magazine during an era when crossing the Tasman and making headlines abroad was no easy feat.
After his competitive career, Hirst relocated to Indonesia, where he spent more than two decades working in the surfboard manufacturing industry while becoming a familiar face in the lineup at Lakey Peak—one of the world’s most iconic waves.
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“Troy relocated to Indonesia where he spent more than 20 years in the surfboard manufacturing industry and dominating the waves at Lakey Peak,” Surfing New Zealand noted.
Today, the focus has shifted to the family he leaves behind. A fundraiser has been established to support his children, Mikayla and Westen, as friends and loved ones rally around them during an unimaginably difficult time.
For many, Hirst will be remembered not only for his achievements in the water, but for the friendships he forged, the communities he strengthened, and the lasting mark he left on surfing across two countries.
Donate to the fundraiser here.
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