On Friday, a surfer was reported missing at Surfer’s Point in Prevelly, the break best known as the location of the Margaret River Pro Championship Tour Event. A day later, rescue efforts were called off due to rough conditions, with the man still not found.
In the days since the tragic event, more details have emerged regarding the missing surfer and what exactly happened to him. His name was Aaron Beveridge, Azza to his friends. He was a seasoned regular at the spot, who was known for taking on big waves, according to the Augusta Margaret River Times. The 47-year-old New Zealander was described by friends as a calm, experienced presence in the water, and adept at taking on the kind of epic storm conditions seen on Friday.
Sorry, the video player failed to load.(Error Code: 101102)
In the initial reports of his disappearance, Beveridge was spotted “struggling in the water” around 4:35 p.m. on Friday. Now, the AMR Times reports that the source of his distress was a notorious underwater reef ledge called the Surgeon’s Table. It is believed that Beveridge’s leash had become snared on the ledge, holding him underwater. Surfers then spotted his board tombstoning on the surface until the leash snapped. A day later, the search was called off, with Beveridge still unrecovered.
This is not the first time the Surgeon’s Table has claimed a life. In 2021, 65-year-old Frank Hayter died when his leash became similarly entangled on the reef. The same thing also happened in 1989, to local surfer Creed Barnes. A monument to Barnes’ memory now sits at the top of the stairs at Surfer’s Point.
“You emanated patience and acceptance,” wrote photographer Bec Sheedy-Ryan in an Instagram tribute to Beveridge. “Humble and passionate by nature, you did nothing by halves and were an inspirational talent throughout your entire life. So much love from the community for you. You adored your kids from near and from afar.
Leave a Reply