Aussie Surfers Pay Tribute to Victims of Sydney Knife Attack in Touching 'Paddle Out' Ceremony

Australian surfers joined a sunrise “paddle out” ceremony at Bondi Beach on Tuesday, April 23, to remember the victims of the deadly April 13 Sydney knife attack.

Footage filmed by Daniel William Wilkinson shows dozens of people getting into the water with their surfboards at Bondi Beach and paddling out before forming a circle in the water.

“It’s been a rough few weeks, but it was so special to see and be a part of this community. It fueled my heart and soul this morning,” Wilkinson wrote on Instagram.

The event was organized to commemorate the victims of the stabbing attack at the Westfield mall in Sydney’s Bondi Junction on Saturday, April 13. Six people were killed in the stabbing attack.

Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, one of the clubs organizing the event, said on Facebook that a paddle out is based on a Hawaiian ritual and is “a way for surfers to gather on the water and pay tribute to a life/s lost.” Credit: Daniel William Wilkinson via Storyful