Tributes have been pouring in for the man credited for the resurgence of bodyboarding in Cornwall. A well known figure around Newquay, Sam Buckle was a surfing and bodyboarding filmmaker who was instrumental in the rise of the sport in the UK.

A talented waterman and cameraman, he made bodyboarding cool and appealing to new audiences through his videos and photographs. Described as a “free spirit who wore his heart on his sleeve” by his friends and colleagues on the bodyboarding scene, the 49-year-old helped to capture some of the best British and international bodyboarders on film.

In a tribute on their Facebook page, Bodyboarding Holidays, with whom Sam collaborated closely over the years, said: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we share the news of the untimely passing of our dear friend, multi-faceted bodyboarding legend, Sam Buckle.

“Sam set the pace for UK Bodyboard film production with his brilliant videos like ‘I Try Stupid Things’ which took the level of editing and production skywards. He also launched ‘Lid Magazine’ to document the UK and international scene. His dedication to the sport went way beyond as he played a vital role in the British Bodyboard Club, helping coordinate and judge events across the British Isles.”

They added: “A free spirit who wore his heart on his sleeve, Sam was also a successful chef, wildlife photographer, Land Rover enthusiast and had one of the world’s most complete vintage bodyboard collections. Sam will be remembered for his creativity, individuality, and the warmth he brought to the UK bodyboarding community and to everyone he met along his journey. His positivity and boundless enthusiasm will never be forgotten.”

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Rob Barber, founding director of the Newquay Activity Centre and a close friend of Sam, also paid tribute to the bodyboarding legend. On his Facebook page he said: “Sam was such a positive and enthusiastic force in everything he did. So many good times and fun adventures. I’ll miss you mate, but we’ll see each other again.”

On behalf of Sam’s family, his brother Joe Buckle said the new of his death would be felt not just in Cornwall but around the world as he was so well known on the bodyboarding scene. He said: “It is with absolute devastation that we share the passing of Sam.

“This news has been a profound shock, and we know it will be for so many people across the communities he touched – from London to Cornwall, the North Shore of Hawaii to Portugal, Newquay to Scotland, and in Oxford, where his life adventure most recently saw him anchor on his boat, authentically dedicated to his unique way of life and dedication to outdoor living.”

Joe added: “Sam brought a truly passionate and special presence to every place he went and every person he met. Whether in surf, wakeboarding, wildlife, film, rivers, gastronomy, or Land Rover communities, Sam brought immense enthusiasm and was one of a kind. We will miss him deeply. We hope we can all remember him together, carrying forward his spirit in the areas he so passionately loved.

“In the coming days, we’ll be sharing more about Sam. For now, we’re reflecting on his imagery, recalling his voice, and cherishing the good times we shared. We love you, Sam.”

Fellow surfers at Sunset Surf Newquay have also paid tribute to Sam. In a post on their social media, they added: “Today is a sad day for Newquay surf community as we hear the sad news of the passing of Sam Buckle. Sam was passionate about everything he loved.

“He lived life his way, a maverick. Mr Google I called him as he had one of the vastness knowledge of anyone I’ve ever know. His lust for life was second to none.”

They added: “Where ever you are now. I hope the waves are pumping and the women are hot.”