Surf World Mourns Zach Rhinehart, Beloved Southern California Fixture

It’s with heavy hearts we report that, after many years battling multiple cancer diagnoses, Oceanside, California’s thoroughly beloved Zach Rhinehart has died. 

Most surfers met Zach at his local haunt, Oceanside Pier, where he sharpened his teeth as a grom, eventually becoming one of the most progressive and technical surfers in the area, stomping shuv-its and progressive above the lip maneuvers. Zach was in-step with the best of the 2010’s air guys, and often featured in Transworld Surf’s major projects

In 2020, Stab reported on Zach’s diagnoses: “It’s gut-wrenching to see a good man laid low. Sadly, Oceanside shuv-it pioneer Zach Rhinehart has been grounded by the cancer. Diagnosed with Stage 3 Gastro Esophageal Junction cancer, he’s fighting the good fight. Before Christmas, he locked into an intense six-week chemo session. He’s withered down and ravaged, but the spirit to endure remains.” 

For the last two years, the international surf community has rallied around Zach as he’s fought for his life, while local organizations like the Oceanside Boardriders, as well as surfer-owned North County San Diego businesses continued to band together, getting behind Zach’s battle. 

In February of this year, Zach took to Instagram with the news the cancer had spread to his bladder, and while he continued to fight valiantly until the bitter end, that fight has tragically come to an end. 

Rest in Power, Zach Rhinehart. Oceanside will never forget you.