Former Pro Shaun Brooks Dies on the Gold Coast
By Col Bernasconi | 27 January 2012

Shaun captured on a good day surfing on the Gold Coast . Pic: Nate Smith.

On Monday former Victorian Open State and World Junior Champion Shaun Brooks took his own life near his home on the Gold Coast. The 36-year-old son of Quiksilver's Rod Brooks, and brother of former World Tour surfer Troy Brooks, had been battling depression and various mental health issues for over a decade.
I (like many others) have great memories of competing against and travelling with Shaun in the nineties. Shaun had a unique surfing style with an aggressive flair that was suited to nowhere better than his hometown waves of Bells Beach and Winki Pop. As a young bloke he even threw himself into the real big stuff further south at 2 Mile. Although tall and skinny Shaun would draw huge bottom turns and loved big old drop wallet lay back hacks. His grinning mug and Gash surfboards have long been missed in the chilly line ups of Vicco, and sadly that's the way it will be for ever more.

There will be a private funeral held on the Gold Coast and a paddle out at Bird Rock in Victoria (another of Shaun's favourite waves) at midday next Thursday.

It's with great sadness that Tracksmag.com reports Shaun's succumbing to his illness and we offer our sincere condolences to the Brooks family and his many friends.

Shaun's brother Troy has requested on behalf of the family in regards to flowers and condolences that, “If you would like to send flowers please consider instead donating what you would spend on this towards a beneficiary of the Brooks families choice, ultimately benefiting Mental Health Illness.”

The Quiksilver Foundation will hold these funds until the family can have time to research the best beneficiary. Payment options are below. Please note Shaun Brooks within the information when donating.

Please note the family does not want major donations, just a simple amount as per what you would spend on flowers.

Troy and the rest of the family thank everyone for their kind wishes and support at this time.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

CREDIT CARD Name:___________________________ Credit Card Type: £ VISA £MASTERCARD £ AMEX Card No: ______/______/______/______ Exp Date:____/____CHEQUE:To be made out to Quiksilver Foundation Australia Pty LtdPlease send to: Quiksilver FoundationAttention: Julia Sells27 Baines CrescentTorquay Victoria 3228DIRECT DEPOSIT Bank: Commonwealth Bank AustraliaAccount Name: Quiksilver FoundationAustralia Pty LtdBSB: 063010ACCOUNT: 11974846 Please email remittanceAdvice to: Julia.sells@quiksilver.com.au

Below is a clip of Shaun ripping it up in Victoria (including a wave shared with dad Rod at Winki).

Rest in Peace, mate.
 
Comments (11)
Thursday, 19 April 2012 23:51
11 Muzz Whitelaw
RIP Brooko a true Champion Surfer from Vicco the Brooko snap
was something to behold in his young prime.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012 16:55
10 Alan Berry
i have the the great pleasure to say I knew Shaun.Being the Golf Professional at Palm Beach Golf Club I gave Shaun many a golf lesson.He loved playing golf and was a very popular member of the golf club.When Shaun moved to Queensland we lost contact with him. I now hope Shaun is in a good place I really found him to be a champion bloke.Be At Peace Alan Berry
Sunday, 08 April 2012 11:18
9 lucas goody
I first met shaun in Hawaii 96-97 season absofuckinglutely dominating 8-10 foot eukai there were not many Aussies out there that day we talked alot that surf he actually encouraged me into a few larger ones until I snapped beloved 7,2.But the thing I remember the most is that were both staying in the same place and both had the worst case of bed bugs,we aproached the girl at the office desk who insisted the place was clean.The pair of us gave her a real verbal, even got a bit intense from memory.Good lad sad to hear of his passing.
Tuesday, 03 April 2012 18:57
8 Jimmy Dalgleish
I first meet Shaun at Palm Bch Golf Club,what a champion bloke,told us his stories,made us laugh.I didn't know Shaun long but the time I have, great to have meet you mate.
Happy Surfing,Happy golfing Shaun,RIP
Monday, 13 February 2012 18:10
7 Beano
C'mon TRACKS, You could have posted a more flattering picture of him than that surely! a pro of his calibre deserves more than a shot that looks more like...me!
Saturday, 11 February 2012 18:59
6 Singe
RIP MATE THANKS FOR MAKING MY TOUR OF SUMMER BAY A BLAST AND THANKS FOR THE BIG NIGHTS OUT IN G TOWN.
Thursday, 02 February 2012 22:21
5 rousa
AWESOME IN THE OCEAN AT HOME ON THE GNARLIESTSECTION A TORTURED SOUL WHEN YOU WALK THE GROUND THANKS FOR YOUR MOMENTS OF BRILLIANCE AND YOUR BIG OPEN HAND. I FOR ONE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU,
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 19:12
4 Esther
Nicely Written! Shaun was a character. Good time & always a laugh when catching up with him. He will be sadly missed :-(
Saturday, 28 January 2012 09:20
3 mOOSE BUTLER
RIP
Friday, 27 January 2012 21:34
2 Fiona Lee
Hey little Brooko, the best smile in the land... RIP
Friday, 27 January 2012 20:58
1 Stever124
Nobody will forget that cheeky grin. R.I.P Shaun.
Condolences to his family.
Ralph

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