just announced on the skurfermag forum that Tiger Espere just lost his battle with cancer.
Aloha No Tiger…
although I never new him personally, as a young child of the 60’s-70’s guys like him, BK, Paul Strauch, Reno, the Aikau’s were our hero’s our Duke’s for young native hawaiian surfers.
innovative designers need test pilots.
And tiger was one of the best…
BK, Tiger and Paul were the epitamy of being cool under pressure, of always finding the speedlines in a wave no matter how critical the situation was. Those guy were just beautiful… especially Tiger with them flowing locks of hair…
Aloha no Tiger no wonder the weather so gloomy today…
Howzit oneula, Knew it was going to happen but even his family thought he had more time. I know his daughter Mahina has been on Oahu for a while now so she could help. Darn another legend gone. I’ve been trying to get Peter to come to Swaylocks for years now, He’s a very good friend of mine and works surf contests with me plus I do his ding repair for him for free but he always gives me big tips. Aloha,Kokua
Thank you for the notice, sad though it is. I became friends with Tiger in 1963 when he was about sixteen. That was my first winter on the North Shore, and I would let Tiger borrow my board because he did not yet have a board of his own. Tiger ran with a small group of Hawaiian kids, they called themselves “The Four Aces.” He always had a smile for everyone, and a good sense of humor. He was a real prankster that guy. First Kealoha, and now Tiger. You said it right, Auwe’.
I as a young Hawaiian in the 70’s, I remember Tiger charging big Waimea or Sunset with his long flowing ehu locks wearing his Speedos. He was courageous… true Hawaiian role model.
Aloha Tiger and mahalo for the fond memories!
I got this from the surf news network:
On a very sad note…Tiger Espere has passed on. Hawaii’s own legendary waterman died of cancer on Aloha Friday July 22nd. Tiger is truly a Hawaiian treasure…known for his paleo printing, the Haka dance, Hawaiian chanting, celestial navigation and even the nose-flute for youth. Tiger is also well known for the ‘Tiger Espere Longboard Classic’ which happens every year on the Big Island. This event raises awareness for Kawaihae…an historic surfing and recreational reserve and cultural resource. It was through Tiger’s leadership that a surf park named Pua Ka’ilima ‘O Kawaihae was created as a breakwater so all could enjoy the gift of surfing. Longtime friend Jimmy Z remembers, “Tiger was never a flashy, high-profile type and didn’t like publicity or fame…. He was just a good-hearted, simple man…an excellent friend…someone I counted on many times…” I am sure that Jimmy speaks for many others who were lucky enough to know Tiger …A leader, master surfer and canoe builder…a teacher, a mentor for many, and a Hawaiian Historian. We send out thoughts and prayers out to Tiger’s Ohana and friends. Thank-you, Tiger…for all you’ve given to this land and its people. There will be a paddle-out at Waimea Bay for those who knew him this Saturday, July 30th at 6am. Tiger’s ashes will be scattered on the Big Is. August 4th.
Howzit Uncle D, we lost a great guy in Tiger. He was my neighbor and friend here when he lived on Kauai. Enter his Longboard contest in 94 and it was a lot of fun, but I will say that Kawaihae can be a tricky wave to ride when it gets some size. The day we left Kauai (Fri.) the swell was rising to about 20 feet at Hanalei and by sunday it hit Kawaihae and it was over 6 foot which isn't that big. But getting the place wired is somewhat of a trick and I learned a good lesson there, always wear a leash when you sorf there. Aloha,Kokua