Austin Gibbons, surfing instructor, 26, dies after suffering medical episode in Long Beach waters
A Long Beach surf instructor died Friday after officials said he suffered a medical episode in the water.
Austin Gibbons, 26, an instructor with the Long Beach-based Skudin Surf, was pulled from the water about 11:30 a.m. Friday and was given CPR by lifeguards and Long Beach firefighters on the beach, near Riverside Boulevard. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died Friday afternoon, city officials said.
Gibbons had moved to Hawaii last year to become an Oahu lifeguard before a February surfing accident left him in critical condition. Gibbons was found unconscious on his board last year while surfing on the North Shore of Oahu near Ehukai Beach Park.
He recovered and had returned to work as an instructor for Skudin Surf in Long Beach.
Gibbons was a well-known surfer and lacrosse player in Long Beach, working for Skudin Surf Camp to teach swimmers and special needs students water therapy and surfing. He was also a certified lifeguard, according to Skudin Surf.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of Austin Gibbons, a cherished member of the Skudin Surf family for over 15 years," Skudin Surf said in a statement. "Austin began his journey with us as a young camper and grew into an exceptional instructor and mentor. Austin was equally known for his warmth, compassion, and the deep care he showed for every camper he taught.
His mother, Christine Gibbons, told Newsday last year, "He was on a surfboard since 2 years old — since he could walk."
Gibbons previously won the title of King of the Beach as part of the annual Long Beach surfing competition. He also played lacrosse for Long Beach High School and Nassau County Community College.
Cliff Skudin, co-founder of Skudin Surf, said he had known Gibbons since he was an 11-year-old camper. He said it was clear how much he loved the ocean.
"He always put out so much positive energy. He definitely had a spark to him and got so excited about the ocean and the water," Skudin said. "He had such a positive outlook on life, the ocean and the sport of surfing and being a waterman."
Gibbons would travel the world searching for big waves, Skudin said.
"He was always one of the top surfers coming out of Long Beach and always a competent surfer," Skudin said. "He wanted to help judge contests and he’s been a big part of this surf community."
Cliff Skudin said Gibbons' passion was to work with campers as part of Skudin's Surf For All nonprofit to work with teens with developmental disabilities.
"It was incredible and he came with the highest experience in the water and having a well-rounded, amazing surfer working with kids was a blessing," Cliff Skudin said. "Austin really focused his energy on the camps and was excited to stay and work with people with limitations. It all stemmed from being in the water. He made relationships with people."
The surf camp said mental health counselors will work with staff, lifeguards and campers following Gibbons’ death.
"Austin’s presence created an unforgettable mark on our camp and will be profoundly missed," Skudin officials said.
The Gibbons family and Skudin Surf are planning a paddle-out later this year to remember Gibbons as part of a circle in the water to celebrate his life, Skudin said.
Gibbons is survived by his parents, Austin and Christine Gibbons, as well as his grandparents, according to an obituary by the Christopher T. Jordan Funeral Home in Island Park.
A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Ignatius Martyr Church in Long Beach.
Newsday's Maureen Mullarkey contributed to this article.
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
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