Jackson ‘Jacko’ Graham, Former Palm Beach Boardriders Champion, Dies at 22 - Stab Mag

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Jacko nailed one before he went out. Hope this view’s etched into him, wherever he is now. Cyclone Alfred by Josh Bystrom / @bystrom_photo

Jackson ‘Jacko’ Graham, Former Palm Beach Boardriders Champion, Dies at 22

“He had the kindest heart in the world, and he was a fucking good surfer.”

news // Aug 12, 2025
Words by Jack O'Neill Paterson
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Jackson ‘Jacko’ Graham, winner of the Palm Beach Boardriders title at 14 and former WSL junior tour competitor, has tragically passed away. He was 22.

Jacko, a Gold Coast local beloved by his community, leaves behind a trail of memories in the surf world. Fellow surfers have taken to social media to remember the young talent.

“When I walked into my first class at my new school on the Gold Coast after moving up from Yamba, the first person I sat next to was Jacko,” wrote Oscar Berry. “Since then, he’s remained one of my closest mates. Jacko was absolutely one of a kind, so talented and an all round ripping bloke, with the kindest heart in the world.”

The Mad Hueys posted a collage from their old surfing and fishing trips, captioning it:
“Rest easy, Jacko. You’ll always be in the hearts of the Mad Hueys.”

“Far out, we had some good times, brother,” wrote the Hazza twins.

A paddle out will be held at Palm Beach to celebrate Jacko’s life. Details to come.

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