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Mikala Jones (@mikalajones_ via Instagram)

Mikala Jones (1979–2023), celebrated Hawaiian pro surfer 

by Eric San Juan

Mikala Jones was a Hawaiian pro surfer known for embracing modern technology and shooting stunning first-person video of his rides. 

Mikala Jones’ legacy 

Growing up in Hawai’i, Jones was exposed to surfing at a young age and was an early prodigy. He and his siblings, Daniel and Malia, rode the North Shore near Rocky Point, an area known for its powerful waves. Jones quickly developed an affinity for “riding tubes,” where surfers ride inside a breaking wave. He soon became a specialist in navigating difficult water conditions. 

In 2000, Jones became fascinated with Bali, Indonesia, and the surfing conditions there. Through his explosive photography and video work, he helped inspire a renaissance in the local surfing scene. Jones and his family eventually relocated to Indonesia, where he continued to captivate the surfing community with his stunning videos. 

Jones’s passion and daring drew fans on social media, landed him on magazine covers, and set new standards for what GoPro footage could look like. He leaves behind his wife, Emma Brereton, and their daughter, Bella. 

Tributes to Mikala Jones 

Full obituary: CNN 

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