just to put the conditions into prospective, here's some pictures of the day at boat ramps. It certainly makes me think if an impact vest on the bigger days would make a difference. Simon you'll be sadly missed. Rest in peace.
My thoughts go out to Simon's family and friends, RIP brother.
Reading Simon's story was eerily familiar...15 years ago I nearly lost my life under very similar circumstances at the same location.
I got separated from my kit after going over the falls at Rivermouth on a big day. I'd drifted downwind from main break and couldn't get going on too smaller kit in gusty conditions.
What you don't reckon on, until you've experienced it, is how out of breath you get after a hold-down from a big wave. I was hyper-ventilating and struggling to calm myself, thought I was going under for sure. A local legend surf lifesaver swam out and saved me.
I wasn't wearing an impact/buoyancy vest that day, but now I don't sail without one.
Beautiful day today to farewell a great bloke.
We listened to people sharing their love of Simon and his life. His fiancé spoke amazingly.
There was not a dry eye to be seen.
All this while over looking the magic of the ocean where Simon passed away.
There was another article posted in the Western Australian 30th March 2015 page 13 .......... havent been able to find it online to post
The ceremony and Eulogy outdoors and around the small white church overlooking Prevelly Park and the Boat ramps left hander and Bommie provided all with a fitting tribute and final fair well to a soul lost at sea.
RIP
SIMON
...........Had to mention Jay Laurie (old school friend of Simons) whom also read from his first book called (into the sea)...........if chasing a surf /travel novel. www.intothesea-novel.com
