Greg Noll was an American pioneer in the sport of big-wave surfing. He was also an eminent longboard shaper, meaning he built surfboards. Greg Noll was affectionately named “Da Bull” by Phil Edwards because of his hulking physique and also because of his habit of charging into big waves without any fear and meeting them head-on.

Unfortunately, Greg Noll left us all behind and moved on to a better place in 2021. His legacy, however, is still alive in the hearts of surfing fans. In fact, when an old picture of Noll resurfaced on Facebook recently, it sent the surfing community into a nostalgic frenzy.

Remembering Greg “Da Bull” Noll

The photo that resurfaced on Facebook was not one of Noll surfing in the water, it was him standing on the shore with a longboard in his hand looking a formidable wave in the face. It captured the essence of Noll’s being perfectly, and his fans were in complete agreement with that.

One fan commented, “One of the true great, iconic surf photos of all time. Da Bull in his element…” Another follower of Noll wrote, “RIP. Got to be one of the best personalities in the whole surfing world. Ever. Totally B****in’.” One fan even shared that he “Had That Poster on My Wall.”

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One admirer even recalled his personal experience with Noll saying, “Da Bull. One of my favourite surfers and best shots ever. Briefly met him on the North Shore many years ago and I can add good bloke to the aforementioned.” A fan recalled his dare-devil way of surfing and said, “No leash, no toe-in, just pure guts.” His admirers recognized that his daring had no limits. A fan rightly said, “No challenge was too great for Greg Noll.”

In fact, Noll’s fans idolize him to the extent that they have immortalized him on their skins. One fan shared, “Love this, I have it tattooed on my arm, Da Bull.” A poster on the wall and tattoo on the arm kind of love is only reserved for the most special people, and Noll was nothing short of special.

The Legacy of the Waimea Bay Conquerer

Possessing a daunting frame of 6’2″, Da Bull seemed a perfect match for the gigantic waves that he loved to ride. He was the first one to venture out into the rowdy waters of Waimea Bay and ride waves as tall as three stories. While that made him famous, it was not enough for Greg Noll. He lived for the thrill, not for the fame.

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When Makaha was reeling under a storm, Noll saw it as the perfect opportunity to ride a record-breaking wave that could have been 30-40 feet tall. For him, missing a chance like that was against everything he stood for. Noll was a ferocious personality, who left behind a wonderous legacy that shakes us in our boots but also makes us smile in wonder. His larger-than-life personality was a beautiful gift for us all.