Ten years after Port Macquarie’s Zac Young was killed by a shark, the community has unofficially set a new world record for the largest paddle-out, in an event held to pay tribute to his life.
Key points:
- The world record for the largest paddle-out has been unofficially broken in Port Macquarie
- The event was held to pay tribute to Zac Young, who died after being bitten by a shark 10 years ago
- Port Macquarie shark bite survivor Toby Begg joined in with support from fellow surfers
The paddle-out was organised by Mr Young’s father, Kevin Young.
“It’s the 10-year anniversary of my son who passed … but this is for all surfers right around the world, or bodyboarders, anyone who loves the ocean, in celebrating the ocean and celebrating each other and community,” Kevin Young said.
“I think they express their love and support for Zac, who really loved people. They seem to connect with that.
“People from every walk of life, every different belief, came into our service [for Zac in 2013].
“And here we are again 10 years later, telling Zac’s story.”
Shark bite survivor joins group
Port Macquarie shark bite survivor Toby Begg was among those taking part in the paddle-out.
Supported by fellow surfers, he returned to the water after being bitten by a white shark at Port Macquarie’s Lighthouse Beach in August, when he suffered severe injuries to his legs.
Mr Young said the paddle-out was also a way to mark the strength shown by Mr Begg, who received a huge cheer from the crowd as he was pushed up the beach.
“For a guy that copped some really nasty injuries … he is an incredible example of overcoming trauma and hardship,” Mr Young said.
“Toby swam up to me at the end of the paddle-out … he was out there first and was out there all the way to the end.
“Toby is just an amazing character, he just loves people … and don’t forget his wife and his two beautiful children, they are amazing people.”
Mr Young said he had been working to gather community donations for Mr Begg’s family and many local small businesses had offered to help.
World record in sights
Mr Young said more than 600 people, from young children to older surfers, took part in the paddle-out, which was enough to beat the previous record of 512.
The result now needs to be officially verified by Guinness World Records and drone vision will be examined.
Those in the event were required to hold hands for in a circle for 60 seconds.
“We’ve got the numbers … it was pretty difficult in the water, a few people got smashed, but it was the biggest thing I have ever seen, well over 600 people,” Mr Young said.
Remembering Zac
Zac Young was 19 when he was bitten by a shark while bodyboarding at a popular reef break near Coffs Harbour in November 2013.
Kevin Young said his son remained calm after the attack and paddled over to his three friends in the water.
“And he just looked down and said, ‘Oh that’s not good’,” Mr Young said.
“And Zac looked into their [his friends] eyes, told them he loved them, and then paused a little bit and then started to pray.
“He prayed and he said ‘Father, I pray for my friends, please keep them safe’.
“That someone could do that in that condition, it’s a bit mind-blowing.”
Zac’s friends paddled him 20 minutes to the shore, where he died shortly afterwards.
Mr Young said a service for Zac’s life in 2013 was attended by more than 2,500 people and broadcast on television stations across the country, and today’s event was another show of huge community support.
Local Mick Baldwin was among those in the paddle-out.
“I am here to support Kev and his son Zac, he was a great bloke and a full-on Christian and it’s great we can get together here to remember him and celebrate his life,” he said
Nigel Tang was also keen to take part.
“I’m here to remember Zac Young and the legacy that he left, and the role model he was to so many,” he said.
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