The club’s Facebook post invited everyone to join the paddle-out at 6:00 a.m., offering an alternative for those uncomfortable venturing into the water: a shared moment of reflection on the beach.
This emotional gathering comes just over a week after the horrific events of Saturday, 13th of April. Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old man, unleashed a violent stabbing spree within the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre. The senseless attack claimed the lives of six innocent people and left at least a dozen others injured. Many of those wounded remain hospitalised, adding to the community’s grief and concern.
As the paddle-out unfolded, the iconic Bondi Beach transformed into a poignant display of unity and remembrance. With each stroke of the oar, the community paid silent tribute to the victims and offered solace to those grappling with loss and trauma.
The removal of floral tributes at Westfield this morning served as a stark reminder of the tragedy, further amplifying the need for healing and togetherness.
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.
