Mark Foo 1958-1994. Photo: Merkel/A-Frame
Big wave hero from the big 80’s, Foo cut an instantly recognisable figure sporting trademark mullet, vest and a thin gold chain, ruthlessly promoting himself as a legit athlete in the form of a professional big wave rider at mainly Waimea, when it still represented the cutting edge of big wave surfing in the pre-Jaws, pre-tow era. A long time rivalry with fellow Waimea devotee Ken Bradshaw added spice to the interest factor of their quests to champion the ‘unridden realm’, as did memorable quotes Foo produced for the media like, “To enjoy the ultimate thrill, you have to be prepared to pay the ultimate price.” Foo did just that, drowning at Maverick’s in 1994.
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