There is a tradition within the surfing community to honour a fellow waterperson who has passed on. This is the ceremonial paddle-out. Each ceremony is unique.
Saturday morning, January 19th, marked a paddle out for Wayne, an avid waterman and father of Autumn, one of our 'Desperate for Surf Housewives.' Since Wayne was a Huntington Beach surfer the paddle-out was set for just southside of the Huntington Pier.
Surfing friends assemble at the water's edge for prayer
Sidelined with a snowboard injury, hubby Brett watches as Autumn heads to the water… 
Autumn, with her bag of orchids, begins the paddle out
The group gathers together to form a circle.
Prayers and stories of Wayne are shared.
As everyone joins hands to say good-bye, a local seal appears to wave
Prayers and stories of Wayne are shared.
As everyone joins hands to say good-bye, a local seal appears to wave
The tossing of flowers and leis…
followed by the slapping of hands on the water end the ocean ceremony.
The celebration of Wayne's life continues as Moe & Gina head for the waves…
and Autumn rides alone as a tribute to her dad.
Back on the beach, Lori organizes the food for the after-surf celebration
The surfing community is a family: as one generation moves on
another fills in like grains of sand at the shore.
another fills in like grains of sand at the shore.
Wayne, what you started will live on…
at the impact zone.
at the impact zone.
