Rest In Peace Russell Brownley - Stab Mag
1721 Views

Rest In Peace Russell Brownley

Last Friday one of our own passed tragically in Costa Rica. Here is the GoFundME to support his family.

elsewhere // Aug 19, 2022
Words by Coral McDuffee
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Last week Russel Brownley— a husband, dad, and beloved creative director passed unexpectedly. 

Brianna, Russell’s wife wrote: As many of you might have heard, Russell passed away on Friday August 12th, 2022 while in Costa Rica. Although we might never know exactly what happened, we know that he passed away in the pool, we believe doing the breathing exercises for free-dive training that he had been proud of recently. 

It is all extremely horrible and confusing, but I am at least thankful that he passed away peacefully in an underwater meditative state, doing something that he felt proud of, close to the waves that he loved to surf… a true waterman until the end

Russell Brownley directed surf films, documentaries, and humanitarian projects and worked closely with our friends at Seea, Reef, and Brixton. His lens captured the human intricacies that connect us all. His love for adventure, the antihero, everyone he bumped into will live on in his work.

“Gum For My Boat” is a Russell Brownley creation, that tells lesser known story of a surf community in bloom. The film is just one of many Brownley projects that caste a light on the unreachable ends of the world. Watch the full length film below:

A friend of the Brownley family set up this GoFundMe to help cover the funeral and memorial costs. 

Here is a link to help this Carlsbad family through the unfathomable.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Watch: Episode 03 of Stab In The Dark X Starring Kelly Slater

The untold story behind the GOAT’s split from CI + a three-layer wax cake theory.

Feb 11, 2026

Why You Should Stop Watching Surf Videos*

Instagram reels and the twisted fantasy of the parasocial surfing life.

Feb 9, 2026

Breaking: Rogue Boat Plows Through Steamer Lane, Capsizes With Family Of Six Onboard

Stab writer Holden Trnka saves a kid, gives a first hand report.

Feb 8, 2026

Watch: How $13M And 70,000 Tons Of Granite Changed An Australian Surf Town Forever

A documentary on Midds Reef — the world's best artificial wave — by Rhys Jones.

Feb 7, 2026

Pipeline Was Really, Really Good Today

CT qualifications, countless nine point rides, Australian domination, and the journey of a local hero.

Feb 6, 2026

Why Chapter 11’s Doors Are Shut + Why Former’s Output Is About To Spike

Former drops teaser for upcoming feature, ‘Defect’, starring the entire frozen pea army.

Feb 5, 2026

Joyride: What’s In An Asymmetrical Surfboard?

An asymmetrical study of Lovelace's Zambal and Satellite models.

Feb 5, 2026

What Happens When The Best Surfer On Earth Leaves The Tour?

The second order effect of John John's departure.

Feb 4, 2026

Velvet Pipeline And Nine Point Faceplants

A CT qualification update from the North Shore.

Feb 3, 2026

“It’s Louder Than An Atomic Bomb. If You Were Anywhere Near It, Your Head Would Explode.”

The Southern Ocean is now open for international pillaging.

Feb 2, 2026

“They Don’t Call It The Challenger Series For Nothing”

Local excellence and universal beatdowns on Day Two of the Pipe Challenger.

Feb 1, 2026

How Billy Kemper Convinced The WSL (And The Mayor) To Have Locals In The Pipe Challenger

And more musings from the ground here on the North Shore.

Jan 31, 2026

Exclusive Interview: Why John Florence Put The CT On Indefinite Pause

"The tour has a cap. I want to find a space where everything grows bigger."

Jan 29, 2026

Is Firing Pipeline Too Much To Ask For?

The inaugural Pipeline Challenger event starts in 24 hours. And we're en route.

Jan 28, 2026

Watch: Episode 02 of Stab In The Dark X Starring Kelly Slater

Are we all ordering five fin setups now?

Jan 28, 2026

Breaking: John John Florence Will NOT Be Surfing On The 2026 Championship Tour

Is this it?

Jan 27, 2026

Why William Aliotti Picked Up The Bong

Europe's premier freesurfer on leaving Volcom after 15 years and joining Billabong.

Jan 26, 2026

Here’s Why We Included A Wildcard In Stab In The Dark X 

The Mann among men.

Jan 23, 2026
Advertisement