The Paddle out Tradition
Amongst surfers there is a tradition called the paddle out.
Whenever someone in the surfer community passes away we all gather together at the surf spot and paddle out past the break to form a circle and send out love and prayers to our lost one.
A lot of times people have words to say and will paddle to the center to speak. Usually there are flowers which we will swim out and send out to see for our lost friend. The circle will raise their hands to the sky and then lower them to the sea sending out splashes creating their last wave. This, for me, is when my souls fills up and spills over.
When Jack O’niell passed away last year the surfers of California and beyond gathered for what is thought to be the largest paddle out in history with over 3000 people forming an unbroken ring.
Jack Oniell's paddle out
It is never easy to grieve the loss of a loved one. But it is in the shared effort to commemorate their life that we are able to start to let go. There are many surfers that I miss out in the line up. But in a way they will always be there in the footprint of each passing wave.
Wow very cool, love the community. Thank you for sharing
I've seen this tradition first time in my life . Great !
Wow its a big chain looks beautiful.
A real great tradition.
This is really beautiful to see how you commemorate the passing of someone in the community, not just you even communities such as bikers have their own way of showing love when their members pass away.
Wow. Your photography make my feeling want to read and visit your blog
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I have never heard of this tradition, but I think it's beautiful and great way to remember and celebrate the amazing people that are not with us anymore.
WOW,..... this place is really amezing. I like your tha paddle out tradition. and your story is very good.
Wao. so emotional. Thanks for sharing.