Paddle-out for Davey Kitagawa

The surfing community at Blackies joined together in a tribute to friend and fellow surfer Davey Kitagawa on April 5th. More than 100 surfers came out on this beautiful Sunday morning at 9 a.m., some with their families, to bid a final farewell, to 'Little Davey,' who passed away unexpectedly just days before at the age of 43. Included in the gathering was Davey's brother (non-surfer), mother and other relatives, who were overwhelmed by the number of surfers touched by his death.

The surfers gathered on the beach with their surfboards but with the numbers swelling to over 100, it was an impossibility to get all of them in one shot. This shot is one that was compiled from several and is still incomplete!

The surfers paddled just north of Newport Pier, gathering into what's known as a 'paddle out' ceremony where, in the midst of the ceremony, a baby seal hopped aboard Davey's red surfboard.

The celebration concluded with refreshments set up in large tents on the beach. We'll miss you, Davey.