Ramon Brockington, 42, the founder and longtime videographer behind Oahu Surf Films and a driving force in Hawaii’s surf-film scene, has died. The family has not yet revealed the cause of death.
He was a beloved presence on Oʻahu’s beaches for more than two decades, known for filming everyone who paddled out, from groms to legends, and for making each surfer feel seen.
His twin, Ramona, wrote, “My twin is gone. Birthdays will never be the same… You lived an adventurous life!! Ramon Brockington, you will always be in my heart.” The twins celebrated their 42nd birthday just nine days ago.
Brockington arrived on Oʻahu from South Carolina with a camera, a love of cinematography, and a gift for connection.
Day after day, he stood on the sand or in the shallows at Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaisers, and the North Shore, capturing waves and people with the same respect and quiet joy.
His archive grew into one of the most cherished records of modern Hawaiian surf culture, more than 900 videos cataloguing the islands’ swells and surfers.
Beyond his footage, Ramon helped shape the surf community.
As Festival Director of the Oahu Surf Film Festival (2022–2024) he curated screenings that celebrated surf film, environmental pieces, indigenous storytelling and grassroots filmmakers, and he made space for voices that often go unseen.
Community Mourns the Loss
Fellow filmmakers and surfers remembered him for generosity, humility, and relentless positivity.
Matt Vasquez wrote, “Words will never express how I feel after hearing that our beloved friend is no longer with us… Ramon has been a HUGE part of my imprint in the surf community! … I’m so unbelievably happy with my last words to Ramon, thanking him for what he had done for me. See you later pal.”
Brent Rand said, in part, “Because Ramon was all about sharing and giving… he captured everyone. The groms, the aunties and uncles, the weekend warriors, the occasional dabblers… So many surfers all over the island and beyond have seen themselves through his lens.
Ramon’s passing is a tremendous loss for the Oahu surf community, but our community is a better, brighter place because of the light he shone on all of it. A hui hou, Ramon.”
Sammie Kunimara added, “Ramon was kind, goofy, surf community hype-man, and definitely one of the good guys… if you ever had the honor to get to know him… we’re the lucky ones.”
She has also vowed to organize a Celebration of Life to relive on Brockington’s adventurous journey, whether it be filming surfs or swimming around the beach.
Ramon’s work and warmth leave a clear mark: footage and festivals, yes, but more importantly, countless surfers who felt uplifted by his lens and his presence.
The surf will feel different without him; his spirit will ride every swell. Rest in power, Ramon Brockington.
