Elite Bondi surfer Gunther Henry Kitzler met a tragic fate at G-Land off the coast of East Java, sending shock waves across the surfing communities of his native Australia and Indonesia, the place that he had called home for more than two decades.
With two Australians and a New Zealander among his companions, Kitzler got into the sea and ventured out ahead of his friends, starting a series of events that would ultimately result in his premature death.
According to the Surabaya Search and Rescue Agency, “the surfboard with Gunther’s feet still attached was spotted floating by the two individuals” on that fateful morning. “While attempting to assist Gunther to shore, a large wave suddenly hit, causing the surfboard rope to snap.”
Local officials grimly announced that they had found Kitzler’s body on the 6th of March, more than twenty-four hours after his surf buddies reported him in distress. Powerful currents had carried him five kilometres away to Grajagan Beach.
After moving to Indonesia, Kitzler, who was once well-known among Bondi’s surfing elite, had discovered adventure and comfort in Bali’s waves. He had become a regular presence before daybreak throughout the years, sharing his love of surfing with other aficionados before starting his daily practice of catching waves.
An overwhelming sense of grief and despair permeates the close-knit surfing community at the loss. Amidst the risk of the breaking surf, there is still a warm memory of Kitzler—a kind giant of the waves, eternally enshrined in the memories of those who feel the same way about the sea.
Published 19-March-2024
