Jack McCoy, the iconic surf filmmaker renowned for capturing some of the most breathtaking waves and moments in surfing history, passed away suddenly last week at the age of 76. McCoy’s daughter, Indiana Campbell, delivered a heartfelt eulogy honoring her father’s legacy and complex character at a recent memorial service.
“Daddio was not a simple man,” Campbell reflected. “Our relationship, like many deep and complex bonds, held both sharp edges and profound love.”
Just days before his passing, McCoy appeared at the Randwick Ritz for the screening of the remastered Blue Horizon, a film that remains a testament to his unmatched talent for shooting epic wide-angle water footage at legendary surf spots like Teahupoo. His work, critics and fans agree, set a standard that few have since matched.
Among many tributes, notable surfer and author Matt Warshaw offered a candid remembrance, saying, “Jack McCoy looked like a leaner, meaner version of Tom Selleck. He spoke well, had an amazing voice, and above all, unlimited confidence and ambition. Whatever project he was focused on, he pulled you in like a tractor beam. He was a force of nature—sometimes difficult, but his work ethic and quality endured for decades.”
Campbell’s eulogy painted a vivid portrait of her father as a visionary who challenged and inspired those around him. “Though Dad overcame the odds time and again, his passing still came as a profound shock. The grief is raw, and the loss of such a magnetic, visionary man is immeasurable.”
She extended gratitude to the global surfing community for their outpouring of support. “To our wider community of colleagues, friends, and leaders—your love and respect have truly carried us in this time of sorrow.”
Campbell also shared her commitment to continuing her father’s mission. “The grief is ongoing, but so is the legacy. My greatest honour now is to carry forward Jack’s extraordinary mission alongside our family and extended ohana.”
In closing, she urged fans to celebrate McCoy’s life through connection and passion for surfing. “For those seeking guidance in how they can help — all I ask is you give your people and a stranger a heart-to-heart embrace, chase an epic barrel, watch one of Dad’s falls, and get frothing for your next surf.”
McCoy’s final days and his enduring influence on the surfing world remain a testament to a life lived with relentless creativity and fierce dedication. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of surfers and filmmakers alike.