The surf world is mourning after Sudden and tragic death of Austin Gibbons, a young 27 -year -old surferwho lost his life as he practiced the sport he loved most. Gibbons, widely known for his talent and for being part of the school Skudin Surf, He died after suffering a seizure in the water, which caused the drowning, as confirmed by sources close to the family and local authorities. The event has deeply shocked his friends, family and the entire community of Long Island, who has expressed his pain and tribute through tributes, messages and improvised vigils on the beach.
Gibbons was a very dear figure within Skudin Surf, A surf school led by the renowned large wave specialist Will Skudin. The organization paid tribute through its social networks, highlighting its trajectory and human quality. «We are with the heart broken by the loss of Austin Gibbons, member of the Skudin Surf family for more than 15 years. He began as a young student and became an exceptional instructor and mentor, ”he reads in the statement they published on their social networks.
A Long Beach surf instructor died after officials said he suffered a medical episode in the water.
Austin 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.
For… pic.twitter.com/PidFbe575g
— Newsday (@Newsday) July 15, 2025
The news has shocked the entire east coast of USAwhere Gibbons was known both for his talent and his personality, always in a good mood, helping and with a smile on his face. In addition to an instructor, he was a certified lifeguard and actively participated in the formation of young surfers who now also cry their sudden and tragic death.
This was not the first time that the young surfer faced a critical episode at sea, because in 2024 in Hawaii Gibbons was on the verge of death After an accident in Pipeline. On that occasion he was resuscitated on the beach and, after spending several days in an induced coma, he managed to recover, starring in an emotional image by launching the classic shaka From the hospital bed. The Skudin Surf family reported that commemorative acts will be held on Long Beach on July 15 and 16, open to all who want to say goodbye to the young man. The loss of Gibbons leaves a vacuum in the surf world in New York, where they will always remember.
