A Shawn ‘Barney’ Barron memorial in Santa Cruz

All photos by Tom Carey “The turn out today was unbelievable,” said photographer Tom Carey of yesterday’s paddle out in Santa Cruz to remember the life of Shawn ‘Barney’ Barron. Barney left the world earlier this month aged 44. His mark on surfing was a colourful one, and it’s no surprise that many came to say goodbye. “People flew in from Hawaii, Newport and I’m sure a bunch of other places,” continues Tom. “It’s just a testament to how awesome of a person and friend Barney was. It was a pretty emotional day but an amazing day at the same time. A viking ship was burned and his ashes were spread at Mitchell’s Cove. There must have been 500 people in the water and another 2,000 on land. I’m sure the Santa Cruz boys are still celebrating.”