RIP Kevin Barr

Like so many throughout the Australian surfing community we were so sad to hear we’d lost Kevin Barr. He was a gentle, witty man who was always up for a yarn, and as a businessman he was relaxed, generous and as straight up as they come.

Kevin advertised his Barz Optics with a full page in every issue of this magazine going back 20 years, and each issue we’d ring him up to check in on the next ad and end up chatting about everything but, and he always left you laughing. And Kevin was that way with everyone.

He will be sorely missed by countless friends in Australia and the many he made throughout the world on his decades of trips to boat shows and trade events.

To know Kevin was to admire him. Our love and thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace mate.  

News on his Service and also the upcoming Paddle Out for Kev are at the bottom of this post.

The two Tributes below are from his old friends, admirers and surf mates John Charlton and Bruce Oastler.

The boy from Kingscliffe that went on to conquer the world. 

Kevin was such a character, a passionate kneeboarder, surf industry entrepreneur, a man with great vision and a very charming demeanour. 

He always had a smile and a stoked attitude to life, whether discussing his latest optical invention or just how good or bad the surfing conditions had been of late. He was always pushing forward, never standing still. Coming up with new ideas all the time in his working life and with kneeboard design and he always had warm welcoming words and lively conversation to share. Constantly on the move, buzzing around the globe from trade shows to expos with his beloved Barz Optics.

I dropped in to see him a few weeks ago and he wasn't at his showroom/warehouse at Burleigh, so I called him and he told me of the severity of his illness. He wanted no sympathy, just wanted to talk about what was going on in my life. That is just one small example of the generosity of his spirit. 

We salute You, Kevin, and thanks for being our friend and enriching all of us who shared part of your life's journey. – John Charlton

What’s to say about Kevin Barr, the kid from Kingscliff.

Kevin Barr, was and is a legend in the kneeboarding community. A multifaceted individual who left an indelible mark on the sport and those who knew him. His passion for kneeboarding was evident in his numerous accolades and his tireless efforts to support and promote the sport. His keen sense of humour and generosity made him fun to be around, turning every interaction into a memorable experience. To use on of his favourite words, Kevin was a “stupendous” bloke.

Growing up in the carefree town of Kingscliff, on the NSW North Coast gave Kevin his lifelong passion for surfing and the ocean in general. In the early 1970s he relocated to Canberra to open up the first surf shop in the nations capital. Kevin’s entrepreneurial skills made him much sought after by pretty much every surf brand at the time, and it was here that he made life long friendships with so many people in the then fledgling surf industry. 

Relocating back to his beloved gold coast, Kevin launched his sunglass business, Barz Optics (and later BZ Optics), where he developed the first surfing sunglasses and other notable innovations. His sponsorship of surfing, sailing and cycling is second to none, and he will be missed dearly by so many in various walks of life.

I had the pleasure of travelling and surfing in the Maldives with Kevin on numerous occasions. He would always bring a swag of sunglasses along to give to the crew on the boats. His generosity, wit and friendship will be sorely missed by those who's heart he touched.

Kevin passed away on Saturday 23 October, surrounded by his loved ones. Vale Kevin Barr - 08/10/53 - 23/11/24.

- Bruce Oastler

* Kevin Barr's service will be held Friday 6th December at Melaleuca Station, 9394 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah. 2pm NSW time.

* A Paddle out For Kev is being organized for Saturday 7 December at the Kingcliff boat ramp on Cudgen Creek – 1pm NSW time.