Surf pioneer Frank Hayter dead after Margaret River surfing incident

WA’s surfing community is mourning another loss with the tragic death of veteran surfing pioneer Frank Hayter on Monday. The 65-year-old died during great conditions which saw local surfers out in force. It was reported Mr Hayter drowned after his leg rope got tangled in a rock outcrop just after lunch. The still-competitive surfer was helped ashore by other surfers, but could not be revived. Mr Hayter was credited as an early pioneer of WA surfing at Scarborough and claimed numerous State and national titles in his younger years. The haul included a bronze medal representing Australia in Peru in 2008. He continued charging hard in State competitions, last noted at the HIF Pro Am in Geraldton in 2016 and local competitions such as the Margaret River Classic. Tributes for Mr Hayter poured in online as soon as the incident was reported. Veteran surfer Tim Thirsk said his friend would be “deeply missed”. “An awesome surfer and an awesome human,” he said. Shark attack survivor Alex Travaglini said Mr Hayter was always respectful of surfers in and out of the water. “He will be missed by many, without a doubt at his favourite hangout, The Point,” he said. Surfing WA chief executive Mark Lane paid tribute to his friend. “Frank was a guy who just lived to surf,” Mr Lane said. “His whole life pretty much revolved around wind and swell forecasts. “As a young guy growing up in Scarborough, I remember how encouraging he was to all of us younger guys, encouraging us, keeping us in line, but also working really hard to make our club strong.” Mr Hayter was a past Scarborough Surf Club president and a recognised leader in the surfing community, Mr Lane said. “He, like many, moved south several decades ago to live closer to the waves he loved to surf,” he said. “(Frank) started up a new life after his boys grew up and never looked back. “Not only did Frank achieve some great things in his life, but most importantly, he was a well-loved man who will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.” The Times understands a paddle-out memorial would be organised.