Paddle Out for Chuck Smith 10-19-2013

I wanted to see the surfers do the "Paddle Out" for Chuck Smith, so my dad and I went to Huntington Beach Pier this morning. It was an incredible and fun experience!

 

Definition of a Paddle Out:

Participants in the memorial service paddle out to a suitable location with flower leis around their necks or with loose flowers (sometimes held between their teeth). The participants then get into a circular formation, hold hands, and silently pray. Sometimes they will raise their clasped hands skyward before tossing their flowers or leis into the center of the ring. Afterward, they paddle back toward the beach to begin their surf session. Often these services take place at sunrise or sunset. In locations with a pier, such as Huntington Beach, Orange County, California, the service can take place near the end of the pier so that any non-surfers, such as elderly relatives, can watch and participate. Often the participants on the pier will throw down bouquets of flowers into the center of the ring.

A rainbow appeared over the surfers!

Pastor Chuck's Paddle Out from Calvary Chapel on Vimeo.