Margaret River surfing community in shock at news veteran surfer Aaron Beveridge missing at sea

The Margaret River surfing community is in mourning with the news a popular local surfer has likely died. Aaron Beveridge was surfing in big conditions on Friday afternoon at Main Break off Surfers Point in Prevelly when he was snared in a notorious spot known as the Surgeon’s Table. The underground reef ledge has claimed lives before and it was there the father of three submerged. He has not been seen since. A full sea search was launched to find the 47-year-old, but difficult conditions halted the efforts. The police air wing helicopter was deployed on Monday, June 10, but failed to find the missing surfer. Friends of Mr Beveridge described the New Zealander as one of a kind. He was a regular big wave surfer and among the group of seasoned oceangoers who mainly surf when storm conditions provide massive waves. Mr Beveridge was described as a calm presence in the water and highly experienced, as well as a good mate to friends when they faced difficulties — in the water and in their personal lives. Friends were distraught they were unable to help when Mr Beveridge got in trouble on Friday. Big wave surfers were in the water with longboards fitted with long leg ropes for the strong conditions. It is understood Mr Beveridge was unable to escape the ocean pressure after being taken under. His board was caught in what surfers call a “tombstone” position indicating his location. However, the Times understands the leg rope then snapped, obscuring his location. Despite being trained in specialist breathing techniques for such circumstances, the size of the swell late on Friday gave onlookers little hope Mr Beveridge would be found alive. His parents were distraught. “A mum’s worst nightmare this weekend,” Cheryl Wilson said online. “My son Aaron James Beveridge was tragically taken at sea while pursuing his passion for surfing at Margaret River, Western Australia. “Can’t get my head around what’s happening. Hard to process. “RIP Aaron. You were loved so much by so many people absolutely devastated.” Father Don Beveridge said his son would be remembered as a brother, friend and father. “Aaron went for a surf in his favourite place in Margaret River,” he said. “Unfortunately he never returned. Words cannot capture the loss we are all feeling at this time.” The search for Mr Beveridge has since been suspended indefinitely pending new information.