Legendary Hawaiian surfer, Pipe Masters in 1983, pioneer of the art of pigdogging to get deep into the tubes and former champion of the traditional Duke contest, Dane Kealoha passed away on May 11 after a long battle with cancer, reported several Hawaiian media.

Kaeloha was born in 1958 and began surfing as a child in Waikiki. At 15 he won the state title and within years he was traveling around the world competing on the world tour where he won the Duke and the Pipe Masters in 1983, his best year as a pro which at the same time was his last due to a disagreement with the world circuit officials.

According to the surfing encyclopedia, Kealoha had managed to place ninth, fourth, second, third and sixth on the tour between 78 and 82.

South Africa's Shaun Tomson had invented the pig dog for deeper tubing and Kealoha improved it, says the surfing encyclopedia.

The Hawaiian participated in two editions of the Eddie Aikau in 90 and 95.

His powerful and radical surfing style was a clear influence on Johnny-Boy Gomes and Martin Potter, among many others.