Vale Paul Benbow
Earlier this month South Australian surfer Paul Benbow suffered a shallow water blackout following a freedive in the Mentawai Islands. Benbow, who was skippering the charter boat Huey, was pulled from the water but couldn't be rescucitated.
Here, Todd Goudie remembers a good friend and a life well lived.
I am so bad with putting words together, I've barely been able to write anything. But here it goes...
Paul Benbow, AKA Skipper or Benny to close family and friends, will always be remembered as a great friend and true legend of the water. It was a sad day on June 4 when I found out the horrific news he had drowned while spear fishing in the Mentawais. However bad, I can take some comfort knowing he went while doing something he loved.
Benny's infectious smile and unrelenting humour was on display 24 hours a day and he was always a pleasure to be around. He also had a genuine soul that made him endearing to all he came across. While working on the Huey charter boat he made hundreds of friends, I'm sure they're all just as sad as the rest of us.
I was fortunate to know Benny from the age of 11. Together with guys like Franny, Jarrad, Clayton, Shorey, Forbsey, Keyser, and Jay we would surf most mornings out at Seaford, even if the waves were half a foot. Paul was the shortest and the lightest on his feet, and it helped him tear apart the gutless Mid Coast waves with ease.
But he could do so much more; a very accomplished waterman, Paul would charge 15 foot bombs on the West Coast or SUP 1 foot waves on the Mid. He was never ever sitting still, Paul also enjoyed skateboarding, motorcross, golf, and tennis.
Many people wish the dead to rest in peace, but if I know the Skipper his soul will be moving 100 km/h looking for the next opportunity to make the most of every minute.
-Todd Goudie
Todd Goudie at left, Paul Benbow third from right, with friends.
Comments
Nice words Todd. Can't imagine how difficult it's been for you lads over the last few weeks. Reading all of his incredible stories and tributes via Facebook has been quite inspiring.
I only knew Benny briefly, but I occasionally bumped into him around the country - last time I recall was on the boat offshore Streaky Bay during the Fantastic Noodles big wave comp a few years back. Always stoked to see his huge smile, and every time I saw photos from an incredible South Oz session go down somewhere he was often in the middle of it. RIP fella.
RIP.
was on the huey 2 trips prior to his passing. I cant speak highly enough of benny. his enthusiasm or life was infectious. I've three great memories of that trip, the first when he was in a barrel at rags right and he looked to the roof of the barrel. the second another great barrel at hts . the third when we parted at padang airport and I said ill see him next year. sadly this wont be the case but we on our trip all have great memories of him. we feel for those closest to him. woggy
For those interested: the celebration and farewell to Paul Benbow will be held this morning at the Heysen Chapel, Centennial Park, at 10:30am.
Jo Lang sent through this picture of this afternoon's paddle-out at Paul's home break Seaford, on the South Oz Mid Coast. What an incredible attendance!
That's a great tribute & a great photo.....
on ya Toddinator, lots of love all round for the Skipper
Big Cudos to Shuttsy, Balls,Forbeo,Jarrad , Donny and Kimberly for your words on the day
Just got this through last night (have seen a few posts on FB over the last few days too):
Tomorrow Saturday 2nd June, eternal friends the Seaford Boardriders are holding their annual 2018 Benbow Memorial rally for all family and friends in celebration of the wonderful life, of Paul 'Benny' Benbow", which was sadly cut short on June 4th while in the Ments doing what he loved on the Huey 1. Known as" the Captain" and " theSkipper" to many, he will be cherished and remembered as a positive role model and mentor for the young , admired by his peers and "old mates" alike and deeply loved by his family, friends et al. He is always missed, always remembered and never forgotten.
In June 2017 a contingent of crew from the club went to the Ments on Huey Surf Charter to celebrate his life and the 2nd anniversary of his passing by commemorating a plaque at his surfing heaven.
True to "Benny's" form he showed his appreciation by being around the boys and sending a memorable "Skipper Swell." #livelikebenny