Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shooting Victims Memorialized In South Florida Paddle-out

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. - March 3, 2018 - PRLog -- Today, thousands traveled to the beach. However, instead of coming for the incredible weather, they loaded up surfboards and came to honor the fallen at our local high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas. At 12pm they headed into the water to participate in a traditional Hawaiian Surfer Memorial. With flowers in hand, hundreds paddle out past the surf to form a circle to honor 17 students and teachers taken in the deadly high school shooting.
"Yesterday was an unbelievable moment and we feel so blessed to have been able to offer that tradition to our community." –Linsey Cottrell, Owner, Island Water Sports
History of Surfer's Memorial Paddle Outs -A paddle-out is a time-honored Hawaiian tradition. Participants enter the water on surfboards or paddleboards. They link hands to form a circle. Once in this circle, those gathered will often take turns speaking one or two things about those that have passed. The hope is to share how their legacy still remains within the lives of those that are able to continue back onshore. Traditionally, each time someone shares in this circle, it is followed by cheers and splashing from the others in celebration of the memory and lasting impact made by the one or ones we have lost.
"It is a traditional Hawaiian thought that, just as every raindrop that falls on land eventually makes it back to the ocean, every person that walks on land eventually goes back into the sea."
Traditionally the circle represents the way in which the ocean brings people together. For so many, especially surfers, a day in the water is often a coping mechanism. The hope is that the water provides ways to heal for all that attend.

THE ATLANTIC CURRENT - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4MDo11gUwk