Shuv-It Pioneer Zach Rhinehart Is Battling Cancer

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. 

Zach’s friends and family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with the financial struggle. In healthier days, Zach was a stout 6-footer with a penchant for aerial wizardry in the shadow of the O-Side pier. The zenith of his career was in the early 2000s, as Zach was embedded in the air show game and worked on a number of projects in the Transworld Surf orbit.

He was also one of the first guys sticking shuv-its (often of the 360 variety) on a surfboard. 

These days the reality of life isn’t as glamorous for Zach.

“I got my new port because all the veins in my arms are collapsed from I.V’s. I also got my Gtube and have been getting nutrients in me,” reported Zach in an update on January 13. “Thank you so much for your support everyone! I’ll be at Scripps Encinitas for a few more days. Then chemo for the next 6 weeks and hopefully get to have the tumor cut out and finally be on the road to recovery.” 

Never give up, Zach. You got this. Fuck cancer. We’ll see you boosting again!