Tributes have been paid to a surfing pioneer from Newquay who helped shape competition surfing in the UK and around Europe. 

John Owen passed away peacefully surrounded by his family aged 83 following a long illness. 

He helped inspire generations of surfers through the development of the UK Pro Surf Tour, most notably the Boardmasters competition held in Newquay, as well as Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) events in France and Italy, which was the forerunner to the World Surf League (WSL). 

John was also the co-founder of the Newquay Boardriders Club and was a committee member of the British Surfing Association during its fledgling years.

Business partner Dave Reed said: “A great surfer, a business partner and to me a real Legend.  

“He contributed so much to surfing in the UK, founding the European Professional Surfing Circuit, which included organising surfing events in France and Italy. 

“He passed this onto French colleagues and became the European Pro Surf Association inspiring the development of ASP, now WSL events across Europe.

"In the UK in the early years, he sat on many committees including the British Surfing Association and then the English Surfing Federation.  

“I was privileged to work with him for around 40 years.

"We had many adventures initially around the Boardmasters, which I must say that event would not exist today if it were not for John.  

“But I believe the UK Pro Surf Tour was what he enjoyed the most.

"Seeing young up and coming talent develop their skills and giving guidance where he could.  

“He touched so many lives over different generations and will be sorely missed by all.  

“My condolences to Thelma, Joanne, Jamie, Joff and all the grandchildren who I’m sure are heartbroken at their and our loss.” 

Phil Williams from Christian Surfers added: “John was an amazing pillar of the surfing community going back so many years. 

“John helped develop the life of surfers in this country through the UK Pro Surf Tour UK Pro Tour and the Boardmasters Festival with Dave Reed as well as so many other events. 

“Being involved with him and Dave over all those years, there were so many memories.

"Sunny days, gale force winds, days when the surf was flat, but still somehow, we managed to run the events.  

“Surf tour awards, isolated beaches, moments of hilarity and through all of this John was somebody that cared so much for the surfing community in the UK.” 

Steve England from Carve surfing magazine said: “John was at the heart of surfing in the Newquay area for many years and British professional competitive surfing for decades from the Gul Alder comp right through to the UK Pro Surf Tour.

"He was much loved by all. 

“He leaves a lot of happy memories with a lot of people.”