PADDLE OUT FOR BIG RED - REST IN PEACE MATE

Posted by Justin Ward on 6 August 2012 | 0 Comments

Tags: Surfing

When Ben Linden's life was tragically taken by a White Pointer south of Wedge island in July 2012 the entire surfing community stood still in disbelief and felt the pain of losing a brother. We all know Ben was not the first surfer to die doing what he loved, arguably the most in life, and unfortunately it's impossible to say he will be the last to go in such a way.

As surfers, entering the ocean where sharks undeniably rule is the inevitable risk we love to take in order to fulfill that indescribable feeling of stoke that comes when we're riding waves. Can you imagine life without the ocean and its waves? We wouldn't be the same without it. There is one certainty that always stands tall when we lose a fellow salt fellah to the oceans apex predator, and that's simply that it never gets any easier. 

On Sunday 29th July, surfers from all over WA united on the sand of Scarborough to celebrate Ben's life. Many present at the paddle out had never met Ben. We gathered to pay our respects. I'm sure those who knew Ben well would be proud saying he died a true lad and hero. He won't ever be forgotten.

Next time I jump into the ocean I know who i'll be thinking of when I paddle out. And next time, when that set comes pushing through from the horizon and i'm thinking of letting it go, I know i'll be having a proper dig for Ben and all of our other brothers who have died chasing waves and doing what they loved. If you never go I guess you'll never know. Rest in Peace mate.

In this clip paying tribute to Ben, his sister actually sang the City and Colour song and she really made it something special.

Take care and happy surfing.

Paddle Out for Big Red from Luke Baker on Vimeo.