A decade after his untimely death, the vibrant spirit of Shawn “Barney” Barron continues to shine in the hearts of the Santa Cruz surfing community. On Sunday, March 4, a crowd gathered at Steamer Lane to celebrate the life and legacy of the radical and eccentric surfer with the annual Cinco de Barney air show—an event that has become a community tradition in the years since his passing.
Barron, who tragically died at the age of 44, was not only known for his groundbreaking surfing but also for his colorful and artistic approach to the sport. His bold, superhero-themed wetsuits became synonymous with his high-flying aerials, capturing the essence of a surfer who pushed the boundaries both on and off the waves. His ability to merge art with surfing made him a beloved figure, both locally in Santa Cruz and within the broader surf world.
The Cinco de Barney event, which has been held annually for the past seven years, serves as a fitting tribute to the late surfer’s creative and radical spirit. The competition features surfers, or “groms,” as they are affectionately known, launching off the cliffs of Steamer Lane in an aerial contest that celebrates their skills and honors Barron’s fearless style. The event’s enthusiastic atmosphere mirrors the community-driven nature of the celebration, with spectators gathering on the cliff’s edge to watch the spectacle. Tailgates line the venue, and food and drinks are shared among friends and family, making the event as much a social gathering as it is a surf contest.
Darryl “Flea” Virostko, a longtime friend and fellow surfer, was instrumental in organizing this year’s event, helping to ensure that Barron’s legacy would be honored in the most fitting way possible. The event remains donation-based, with all funds raised going back into the community, and winners receive not only a portion of the entry fees but also pieces of Barron’s artwork as a prize.
As the Santa Cruz surfing community continues to remember Shawn “Barney” Barron, the Cinco de Barney air show stands as a vibrant celebration of his life—a day when surfers and fans alike gather to honor one of the most unique and influential figures the sport has ever known.