In the wake of Mikala’s passing, many from the surfing community took to social media to pay their respects, with 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater writing in the comments section of Isabella’s post, “Legend.”
Added Puerto Rican surf star Tia Blanco, “Your dad was one of the nicest humans I’ve encountered in the sufing community. So sad to hear this news. Sending you love & strength. So sorry about this.”
Meanwhile, photographer Nathan Myers penned his own touching tribute, writing alongside photos he took of Mikala, “Hard to find the words here… I’m not ready to say goodbye. I met Mikala 25 years ago on my first Surfing Mag editorial trip to Galapagos. I would stay at his house on North Shore for years after, and shared some of the best waves of my life with him at Rocky Point. When we moved to Bali, we were neighbors for a decade. You showed me the way.”
Nathan reflected on their memories together, adding in part, “Our families became entwined. Wives. Kids. Friends. Too many memories to peel apart… all flooding back now.”
He continued, “I’m grateful for our last time hanging out. That was a good one. Surfing with the kids and sharing all-day sunset beers overlooking the pier in Oceanside and laughing a lot. We were looking forward to more adventures in the future. But now… well, we’ll carry you with us, brother. And we’ll be grateful for everything we shared in those present tense moments together. What a legend you are.”