Hawaiian Surfing Icon Reno Abellira Found Alive in Prison

Reports of the death of Reno Abellira, a legendary figure in Hawaiian surfing, proved to be premature. The 76-year-old shaper and surfer is alive, but currently incarcerated in a Hawaiian correctional facility, according to multiple news sources.

Initial Reports and Social Media Frenzy

Yesterday, social media was flooded with tributes to Abellira, with many believing he had passed away. News outlets, including Surfer and The Inertia, initially reported on his supposed death. However, these reports were based on unconfirmed information.

A History of Legal Troubles

Abellira’s life has been marked by both surfing success and legal issues. He achieved a significant victory at the 1974 Smirnoff Pro and is credited with influencing the equipment of Mark Richards. However, he also has a history of run-ins with the law, including a notable escape after a drug deal in 1992. His recent struggles included living in makeshift camps at Alii Beach following a 2021 attack.

Confirmation of Abellira’s Whereabouts

The rumor of Abellira’s death was quickly dispelled when it was confirmed he was in the custody of Hawaiian correctional services. His cousin and lawyer have reportedly visited him in prison, confirming he is alive.

Abellira’s Influence on Surfing

Reno Abellira was mentored by Dick Brewer and became a master shaper in his own right. He is particularly known for his work with twin-fin designs, which he introduced to Australia and influenced Mark Richards. Evidence suggests Abellira also designed an experimental three-fin surfboard under Dick Brewer’s label in 1971, potentially contributing to the development of the tri-fin.

Lessons Learned

This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before it is disseminated, particularly on social media. The swift spread of inaccurate news demonstrates the need for caution and reliance on credible sources. Tracks Magazine noted the speed at which the surfing community embraced the initial, incorrect reports.

While prison is not the ideal situation, the confirmation that Abellira is alive provides relief to the surfing community.