RIP Marvin Foster // Photo: Divine
The surfing world is mourning the news of the passing of Hawaiian surfing legend Marvin Foster. Foster was 48, and was reportedly found dead on Oahu. Word of Foster’s death began circulating late yesterday. Although the events surrounding his passing are presently unconfirmed, it’s clear that the surfing world lost one of its great athletes yesterday. Our hearts are with his friends and family.
Update: The Star-Bulletin released the following information on Foster’s death this afternoon:
Foster, 49, died from asphyxia due to hanging earlier this week, according to the city Department of the Medical Examiner. The manner of his death was classified as a suicide.
His body reportedly was found Tuesday on Oahu.
The surfing community is mourning the loss of “Carvin’ Marvin,” who made his mark on the sport in the 1980s.
Surfer Rusty Keaulana, who grew up with Foster, said this morning, “I’m still bummed about it. He was like my brother.”
Keaulana described Foster as a fearless “goofy-foot” surfer who was the first to go left at Waimea Bay.
“He’s an awesome surfer,” he said.
Backside rail grab tube riding, Going Left in Waimea, helping come out of the water at Pipe after hitting the reef,,Thanks Cus,,,you were inpirational,,,,you are a Legend,,,,was nice meeting you,,,R.I.P….we’ll see you again in next life.
Knew Marvin and Kalani since they were kids learning to Surf . One day at Pipe we “The Pipeline Underground ” were surfed out . We watched a young Marvin Foster paddle out into Empty Heavy Pipeline ! I said “Lets see what He’s Got ? I bet it’s A lot ! ” Not long and Marvin had his first BOMB – SPIT OUT at Pipe . He rode it in as the Sun was going Down and Hit the Beach to a Standing Ovation from Us ! Marvin Foster had Arrived at The Banzai Pipeline !
i knew marvin for about 3 years IN THE TOWING WORLD and i never even knew he was surfing legend Marvin Foster. id say he was the nicest person i ever met , always had a smile on his face ,good person to talk story with. WOW im still tripin .RIP Marvin TILL WE TOW AGAIN….
Carvin Marvin did unreal laybacks and ripped in large surf, frontside or backside.
“Marvelous” “Carvin” Marvin Foster dominated my wall, locker and binders in high school.
The world of surfing would be a better place if more surfers would emulate Marvin.
Carvin Marvin…one of the greats has passed on…why is that only the good die young????
Why is it…that only the good die young????
He will be missed. Yes, he got into the dark side of surfing, but you can still be a nice guy and have personal issues to struggle with. He was a killer surfer and made his mark on this world, he will be remembered fondly. I met him and found him to be respectful and friendly in our encounter. I am so bummed to hear that he made his decision to leave us in this manner, Carve in Heaven Marvin.
stay away from drugs bra…cause this is
where youll end up .great surfer…terrible loss…again
There is no doubt Marvin Foster was a surfer who excelled in many ways. I remember him growing up along with others of his generation; those who were the foundation upon which all of today’s surfers built upon. For it is safe to say if pioneers like Marvin and others like him had not done the things they did and pushed the limits in their day, we would not have the crop of talent we see today. Thus, everyone in the surfing community needs to honor Marvin for what he did for the sport so many of us enjoy. And those who knew him need to mourn his death and weep with those who weep and to help his family.
With this said, one of the things that amazes me though is how a great surfer will be canonized by the surfing community faster than any papal committee ever would as if he is the holiest of saints due solely to his surfing prowess. Does not matter what his lifestyle was like, does not matter if he cared a whit about heavenly things while on earth; as long as he was a carver and ripped, into heaven he goes. And close on his heels will be those who canonized him as they dream about the long period swell they believe they will have eternal access to.
To those who believe such things I ask the question upon what are your beliefs based upon? What is the foundation for this doctrine you preach? Who taught you that heaven is some giant ocean with peeling lines and perfect tubes that all you need to do to enter is be part of the surfing community? Sadly, it is nothing more than a pipe dream conjured up by those who mistakenly believe that death is not death and that we can go on forever doing whatever it is that we loved to do while on earth. Nothing could be further from the truth. Death is death – cessation of life; something which people don’t want to believe but this is the truth on the matter. Game over – no going back – last wave surfed for ever – carving no more.
If you truly want life after death, there is only one way and it is through the resurrection of the dead promised to those who repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Mike’s last sentence says it all.
This is my uncle my dads brother, and i will miss him very much. he was a good guy, even though he did wrong sometimes. i love you uncle marv!!!!!!! youll never be forgotten. say hi to tutu and uncle leonard for me!
there are beautiful things that touch us because it resonates with us… touching some place of natural empathy…there are great artists blessed with grace…we may not know this man but we all felt great saddness…i thought ‘Marvin Foster passed away’, how sad…why sad for Marvin & not for an anonymous other? because he touched us with grace, artistry & beauty, a harmony with nature…in time we all pass, sooner or later…by one cause or another cause…in one place or another place…some are remembered within us for what they have…some are not remembered at all…head carressing the tube at the Pipe…Jimi Hendrix harmony…our life lasts not long…let us live with grace & without fear…and praise what we have known…to realise we all must die, we end our quarrels
Mike’s last sentence says…what he believes…that is all…
hi Kaimailie…thank you
Haha. Sorry to laugh here, but Mike should study biology and get off the imaginary Jesus kick. People here pretending Marvin is up there surfing right now are no more delusional than you are.
I first ran into Marvin one afternoon after a surf session with friends at Haleiwa. We were watching the surf gearing up when He approached us from behind and started talking about the surf. Before I left Hawaii to begin my military career I would frequently run into Marvin when hitching for rides down to pipe, eating breakfast, or on sessions down Waialua side. I love his surfing – as I am a goofy footer – Loved his power and go for it attitude. I have always looked up to him and many other Hawaiian surfers to make it big as my life’s direction has taken me away from the sport. I am truly heartbroken. My family and I would like to send our aloha and prayer to Marvin’s family and to all who were touched by Him and his surfing – Aloha and Mahalo Marvin I am truly saddened of the lost.
Marvin Foster will be remembered not for the bad issues, he will be remembered for his surfing ability. I had boards shaped by rosso who shaped in a shack right before the owens house. The north shore will always be there, as well as legends. Marvin is one. as they say if your a clown from town then your hospital bound.
Aloha
All i have to say is ‘Mike’ PHUK OFF. No one wants to hear you preach. I’ll leave it at that.
Honor a legend, no matter what lifestyle he led. He did a lot for the sport, and obviously touched a lot of people.
R.I.P.
Marv was a good man, bottom line,. Never got nobody—who didn’t have it comin. We lived in a few houses together over the 20+ years of our friendship, and I’ll say this much: Marv had a code which he lived by, it may not have been the same as yours Mike, but I would bet everything I am that he didn’t need a doctrine or any other bullshit you are sweatin to know that you don’t speak ill of the dead!He said to me one time in no uncertain terms when I was young not to speak ill of the dead. Before I could try and come back with anything- the stare those of us who knew him know the one. He just said ” Just don’t do it K? ” Then fake punched me- I flinched- and got a pretty good charlie horse. We laughed for a second …
Hey Mike don’t speak ill of the dead. And don’t EVER say another negative thing about my friend again. Its not nice., and don’t get me started on the God talk pal cause –
My friend Marv- he was a good man, bottom line. And I miss him very much. As I am sure anyone who’s life he touched does.
See you in Time big brother. In Time…
Che – you’re an idiot. A drug dealer told you something so it’s Gospel? You need to change the guys you listen to pal (except on the God thing…).
Webmaster, please leave my email in my last transmission as it is necessary to the point.
Thank you.
Greg,
Just so I don’t get misunderstood: PHUCK YOU TOO! You don’t know me punk! And it’s pretty obvious you didn’t know my friend Marvin either! But the fact that you would go so far outta your way to disrespect the dead is far more telling about your character than any allegations made as a coward in cyberspace, that much is true. Marvin was a good man, I have seen with my own two eyes acts of kindness out of him that you could only dream of. And even if he hated someone with all his heart, he would NEVER do something so spineless and cowardly as to disrespect them at a time and place designed for those who knew the deceased to mourn and tell each other stories and maybe a smile during a time that is difficult. Marvin had integrity, honor and he was true to his word. You- not so much. I would be ashamed of myself, my teachers, my family name if (God forbid) I ever made such an distasteful decision. But hey, you are entitled your opinion. It’s just a shame you would use this forum to express it. Another very telling fact about character (or lack thereof) You people, think you know. You don’t know dick! A guy has a few personal setbacks and out of the wood work you come talkin about some imaginary friend and how he’ll save the day. Lemme know how that works out. In the meantime leave this site alone, and have some respect for the dead. Thats the bottom line. Respect. You have something to say, say it at a more suitable time don’t be a COWARD and hide behind your computer. My name is Che Tayborn. And I live in Pacific Grove Ca.Come see me. Maybe I can counsel you better on a face to face basis there tough guy.
I moved to Hawaii when I was 19, I met Marvin when I was 21. Funny thing, when I walked into his house in Pupukea looking for my buddy that he lived with I saw several surf boards on the wall and I asked Marv simply (now that I look back, ignorantly) “Do you surf?” He just smiled and offered me some Ahi. For the next several years I became a regular at his house, We bbq’d, drank beer, played darts and Sega Mortal Combat, I never felt more welcome at any place, at any time. I find that funny because not a lot of people were welcome at Marv’s.
I didn’t know Marv the surfer, I knew Marv the man, the father, the friend and I feel special because of it. Marv was a big part of my time spent in the most beautiful place in the world and I will always be thankful to him for that.
Marv’s life will be gauged not by people who may have seen him surf but by the people whos lives he touched.
Rest in peace, “Big Guy”
Hey Che…. “What we do in life, Echoes in Eternity!”
Mike – you are one of the reasons people run from God, not to Him. Plus, do you even surf? You sound like a kook.
where on earth is Pacific Grove CA?
You tell ‘em Che – GRRRRRRRRRR.
P.G is in Monterey, Ca. The area is best known for Pebble Beach and spyglass Hill,also Spanish Bay and Cypress Point to name a few. The US open is gonna be played here this year.
Larry- lol. Right on. Aloha.
Dave- couldn’t have said it better myself.
Back to sleep now… Zzzzzzzz
Pete Davi was from this area too. Another good guy, friend to Mav
dind’t peter davi die surfing ghost trees on meth? GRRRRRR.
My condolences to Kalani, Leonard n family. how sad…
uncle marv gave me my first surfboard,,wen we was living dwn pa’ala road he was alwayz smiling nd never did he seem depressed..we all love u uncle..N u fakaz bringing up all da negative about him, das not your buisness Dey awready gotta bring um awp in da paper sadd brah how dey announce all dat shit who dey tink dem ,,dey should’ve wen interview someone who knew uncle marv, not one surf promoter from da 80′s..
This is why I choose to stay away from the internet, a bunch of people wanting to get their opinions out there based on other peoples sorrow. Hey Mike and Nick, with your holy perfectness. You are not Christians, you’re judgemental assholes, read the bible you so readily preach and see what God says about your right to judge. Im sure you wont see this because your moment of publicity has passed. But if you do and your so interested in “saving” me come talk to me like a real man at Marvins service on July 10th at Haleiwa Beach Park. I bet you dont even live in Hawaii. Mahalo to my brother Che Tayborn who has been a friend forover 20 years and who apparently is the only person with enough integrity to sign his real name. Thank you to all that have shown your support and aloha, shame on those who should have been taught better. Those who want to sit on a high horse have a long way to fall. My name is Jenn Marr, I am the mother of Marvins oldest daughter and if I make a statement I have the guts to sign my name and I am happy to avoid the sad fake cyberworld. Haters will hate I feel sorry for them, if you need to talk about why you need to hide behind your religion and use that as an excuse for everything in life you know where to find me. Aloha Jenn
independente, falo aqui do homem surfista que foi marvin foster, nos anos 80 , adquiri um filme que possuía poderosas imagens de um surfista surfando waimea de front side para a esquerda, com um som ao fundo ( john cougar mellencamp ),indiscutivelmente fomos influenciados pelos lay backs desse surfista por excelencia, marvin foster ( carvin ) era unico rebelde e ao mesmo tempo elegante, que DEUS o tenha em seus braços!!!
ALOHA ALWAYS
MY ,HEART IS HEAVY FOR EVERYONES LOSS SPECIALLY FOR MARV’S DAUGHTERS …MAHALO JENN FOR STEPPING UP…MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND ALL OF MARVINS FAMILY. FROM MY OHANA TO YOURS. ALOHA PAU OLE …marrinne (anni) those who know me KNOW WHATS COMING IF THEY KEEP TALKING SHEET…THIS IS A TIME OF RESPECT…REGARDLESS OF WHAT RELIGION OR NOT THE PERSON HAS… WERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STANDING? DO YOU REALLY THINK AFTER SOMEONE PASSES AWAY THEY CANT REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE? HA …HA . WITH MY BROW ARCHED UP WATCH AND SEE.. WHAT THE MAKANE BRINGS THRU YOUR WINDOWS. SURE LIGHT A CANDLE DOUSE YOURSELF WITH HOLY WATTER.. BETTER YET RUN UP THE HEIAU THEN YOU WILL FIND ME.. BUT YOU WONT SEE ME, MARV LEFT ALOT MORE OF HIM THAN YOU THINK..ONLY YOU DONT KNOW SO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE “PILAU WAHA”.THERE’S ALOT MORE THAN THE MISSIONARY WAY THE MOST POWERFULL ENTITY IS THE WORM..SLOWLY IT CRAWLS..AND YOU DONT KNOW WERE IT CAME FROM..HUSH LISTEN” MR. PILAU WAHA” DEATH IS JUST A TRANSITION EVOLUTION TO A STRONGER SPIRIT THE SPIRIT IS STILL AROUND.. .WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND AND I WILL KICK IT UP A NOTCH…IF I HEAR YOUR BLAH BLAH BLAH.. I DONT CARE IF YOU ARE A MAN OR WHAT IT MAY SEEM LIKE A LOVELY DAY AND ALLS GOOD IN YOUR HOOD…THEN I GO LEFT IN YOUR ” LIL HOLY WORLD” AND YOU WILL SAY TO YOURSELF ALL I REMENBER IS THIS LIL WORM…AND THIS STONE WRAPPED IN A TI LEAF AND THEN I HEARD VOICES IT WAS A” PRAYER “BUT I DIDNT UNDERSTAND IT IT MUST OF BEEN IN HAWAIIAN… WERE ARE YOU STANDING? ALOHA PAU OLE MEANS LOVE NEVER ENDING…ANI ANI PUU WAI NA HEE O KAI MARV GAVE ME THAT NAME LONG AGO A FULL MOON NIGHT ON TOP OF A HEIAU OVER LOOKING WAIMEA PROMISING MONSTER WAVES .. MANA..JOINED TOGHETHER THRU A VERY SPECIAL PRAYER” ALOHA PAU OLE”