The family of former Australian surfing star Chris Davidson has again paid homage to him in a memorial paddle out, this time at the Sydney beach he grew up at.
Hundreds of people came out to North Narrabeen beach on Saturday to remember the man affectionately known as "Davo" who died after an alleged assault outside the South West Rocks Country Club on the NSW Mid North Coast in September.
The ceremony followed on from a paddle out held at South West Rocks earlier this month.
Davidson's two children along with his sister, Carlie Maudson, carried flower tributes into the surf to commemorate the elite surfer whose prowess with a board led him to tie for third at a 2010 Portugal world championship event.
"We had the wreath on top of the surfboard ... they took it out to the middle of the circle and said a few words and let the wreath go, let the board do one last catch of the wave in," Ms Maudson said.
Event a celebration of life
Ms Maudson said her brother's achievements were partly due to a strong determination to succeed.
"He'd always push those turns to the limit, whether he was skating or surfing. He just had such natural talent."
She said her brother would have been taken aback by the service and by how many people came out to say goodbye.
"I think he'd be surprised at how many beautiful memories we put up on the screen and how many beautiful photos that we've found looking through all the old surf magazines," she said.
"I think he [would] really enjoy the day and we'll do a really beautiful cheers for Chris."
The event included a photo slideshow including "some unseen video", with speeches and people telling their stories at the North Narrabeen surf club.
"It's just all about celebrating the 45 years that we had with Chris," Ms Maudson said.
"So ... we can all smile rather than cry."
A natural talent and stellar career
Davidson grew up surfing at North Narrabeen and joined the North Narrabeen boardriders at age 7.
Ms Maudson said it seemed inevitable that Davidson would go on to be a professional surfer.
"My dad surfed and he surfed with Nat Young and Midget Farrelly. He went to Narrabeen High and surfed just out the front of Narrabeen, and Chris always grew up being a really good swimmer," she said.
"He did Nippers and won gold medals doing board paddling and swimming for Nippers and then just moved over to surfing.
"He was at the beach hanging out all day and jumped on the surfboard and he was a really good skateboarder.
"So I guess you just put it all together. The skating always helped the surfing and being a strong swimmer and paddler, I just always thought it was in him."
Davidson's mother was in attendance, but did not repeat the paddle out she did at the South West Rocks memorial.
"I think that was a bit much for her up there," Ms Maudson said.
"She really did enjoy it and she got pushed in on a wave. I think she really felt she celebrated up there but she'll be on the beach down here."
Grant Alec Coleman, 42, from South West Rocks has been charged over Davidson's death.
He remains in custody and will face court on November 23 for assault causing death and intentionally choking a person.
