Des Watson was competing in a Surfing Victoria kneeboarding event on Saturday morning when he was knocked unconscious by his own board. He was pulled to the shore by his fellow competitors, where emergency services attempted to revive him, but sadly passed away on the sand.
Surfing Victoria spokesman Liam Robertson told The Age newspaper that the local surf community was shaken by the death.
‘We want to pass on our condolences to the family and friends of the surfer who passed away, and to all of the club members who were there,’ he said. ‘It's obviously a pretty tragic time.’
Once a regular stop on the Australasian Pro Junior series, Gunnamatta has a reputation for treacherous conditions thanks to strong rips and large, shifting waves. With an average of 113 rescues performed there each year, it is regarded as Victoria’s second most dangerous beach.
Tracks wishes to pass on our condolences to Des’s family and friends.
Rest in Peace mate.