He is considered one of the more colorful and raw talents to emerge from the East side of Oahu. While growing up, his favorite break to surf was the famous North Shore Pipeline. It’s there he gained notoriety and part of the reason why he earned a spot as a pro on the ASP World Tour.
In 2006, while practicing in his backyard at “Pipe”, Tamayo suffered an accident that would ultimately change his life. A novice surfer unfamiliar with how unforgiving the Pipeline’s waves can be ditched his board which then hit Tamayo. Tamayo ended up having the top of his head sliced open with the board’s fin. That freak accident turned into a near death experience due to a 15-inch gash on the top of his head that went half an inch deep. Tamayo took that incident and made it his calling to help teach proper surf etiquette at the dangerous North Shore while still pursuing his pro career.
