The Taiwan Open of Surfing, which drew competitors from several nations, took place at Jinzun Harbor in Taitung County on November 6. Unfortunately, Febriansyah, an Indonesian player, lost his life in an accident close to the B&B late on November 10 during the event. To honor Febriansyah's memory, the organizer asked each competitor to participate in a "Paddle Out" ceremony on November 11 in the morning.
Hundreds of Taiwan Open of Surfing players Paddle Out mourn Indonesian player who died in car accident.Photo provided by Taitung County Government
During the "Paddle Out" ceremony, all competitors, irrespective of their nationality, swam away from the shore while holding hands in the sea to form a circle in remembrance of the contender Febriansyah who had passed away. Rizal Tandjung, a friend of Febriansyah served as the ceremony's representative.
"Paddle Out" is a traditional surfing rite, according to Taitung County's Department of Transportation and Tourism Development. It is a Hawaiian way of honoring the departed's life. Surfers form a circle and paddle out to the sea to participate in a memorial ritual.
Hundreds of Taiwan Open of Surfing players Paddle Out mourn Indonesian player who died in car accident.Photo provided by Taitung County Government
The Department of Transportation and Tourism Development of Taitung County also noted that Febriansyah was a first-time competitor who traveled to Taiwan. Following the incident, the county government talked with the World Surf League (WSL) and reached out to the player's family as well as the Indonesian office in Taiwan to provide support. In order to show sympathy and reluctance to Febriansyah, it was ultimately agreed to postpone the event until November 11 and have a "Paddle Out" ceremony instead.
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