Farewell Paddle Out for Ben King

Surfing Australia pays tribute to Ben King. - Great Loss to surfing community in Byron Bay

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 17 March, 2006 : - - Surfing Australia wishes to pay its respects to Ben King and publicly acknowledge the outstanding role he has played in laying a solid foundation over the years for the Byron Bay Boardriders and surfing in this region.

Ben’s progression from junior competitor to administrator followed a path familiar to many of our large band of volunteers who keep the “engine-room” of Australian surfing thriving.

First joining the Byron Seahorse Boardriders Club [BBBRC] in 1978 at 14, he was second in the club junior championship. His competitive surfing career continued as he represented the Club and NSW at National championships, whilst completing his trade apprenticeship.

Ben jumped into the administrator’s chair as President of the BBBRC in 2001 after serving his surfing apprenticeship under previous President Paul Sullivan working on Club activities and the annual Easter Classics. Ben has presided over the management committees for the Easter Classics since 2002 as part of his Club Presidency role, seeing ever increasing sponsorship, community support and promotion. The BBBRC has also followed the same path, building its profile within the Byron Bay community.

Ben was a special person in that he was prepared to personally work hard for the goals he helped set for the club and made the time available and had the interest, to support and mentor those around him to develop a team. Over many years Ben’s enthusiasm has ignited ideas and effort bringing outstanding results for BBBR. All members have benefited and the sport of surfing and Surfing Australia have become “richer” as a result of his involvement.

Ben’s generosity in opening his house to many members of the surfing “family” during their travels brought him many friends and acquaintances.
Sport administrators of Ben’s calibre are few, a true community focused person who had the knack of bringing projects together and building them to their “next level”, all for his “love of surfing”.

Surfing will miss the future contributions that Ben would have made, but his legacy is left for us all to nurture.

As the peak surfing body in the country, we are grateful to and rely upon, persons such as Ben who dedicate their efforts to the organisation of the sport within their community. Surfing Australia, Surfing NSW and Surfing Far North Coast, acknowledge Ben’s work for the sport he loved and offer our sincere condolences to Jenny and family.

Surfers are invited to a "farewell Paddle out" for Ben. Meeting at Byron Bay Main Beach, at 9am tuesday [march 21].

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