Hundreds of Christchurch surfers have paid tribute to the victims of last week's terror attacks with by paddling out at Sumner Beach.
Hundreds of Christchurch surfers have paid tribute to the victims of last week's terror attacks with a paddle-out at Sumner Beach. Photo: Supplied / Stan McFerrier
The surfers formed a big circle out in the ocean and 50 white flowers were placed in the middle of it, representing each of those killed in the mosque shootings.
Many surfers took their own flowers tucked into their wetsuits and there was a minute's silence out on the water.
One of the organisers, Lauren Soper, said it was the surfing community's way to show respect and support the community.
"We've all got people in different parts of the community who surf, and I think everybody's been affected in some way or other.
"This is the way that we feel we can acknowledge that."
Another organiser, Randi Senger, said paddle-outs were usually held to honour a fallen surfer.
Hundreds of Christchurch surfers have paid tribute to the victims of last week's terror attacks with by paddling out at Sumner Beach. Photo: Supplied / Stan McFerrier
"It's just our way to pay tribute to not just victims of the attack, but just everyone in the community who's been shaken by this."
Ms Soper said the turnout was unbelievable.
"We invited all the surf clubs in Christchurch and we got immediate uptake from them and the other surfers in the community, the waka ama, the stand-up paddleboarders - and it's really lovely to see."
Ms Senger said they initially thought 50 people would show up.
"It's overwhelming the turnout from the community, we put forth an idea that other people had and our job is just to organise the chaos."
Sumner Bay. Photo: Supplied / Stan McFerrier