Surfers remember Warren Thompson with a traditional paddle-out at Ocean Beach

Denmark surfers gathered at Ocean Beach on Sunday to remember the life of surfer, shaper and mentor Warren Thompson. The ocean smiled on the day, with more than 100 surfers attending in sunny conditions. Surfers took part in a traditional paddle-out to honour Mr Thompson before gathering to share a few words and memories in the surf club. Mr Thompson and his wife Karen spent 20 years living in Denmark, where Mr Thompson mentored and touched the lives of many in the community. Pat McCarthy, event organiser and a friend of Mr Thompson, said the response to his death had been overwhelming. “The traditional waterman’s paddle-out and guard of honour was really powerful,” he said. “It meant a lot to Kaz and the kids.” Mr McCarthy described Mr Thompson as a kind and generous mentor, who gave a lot to the community. “He was generous with his time, generous in his work, patient and lived his life by his own principles but never forced anything on other people,” he said. Tributes have flowed online for Mr Thompson from surfers around the world with author and surfer Tim Winton saying Mr Thompson was the inspiration behind the character of Sando in his novel Breath. Activist and surfer Lucy Small called Mr Thompson an understanding person who offered gentle guidance. “From our little corner of the world he showed us the world of surfing, travel and board design,” Ms Small wrote on Instagram. Wayne Winchester from The Surf Gallery said Mr Thompson was “the nicest bloke you’d ever meet” The Perth surf community has also organised a paddle-out at Cottesloe’s Isolated Reef on January 28. Mr and Mrs Thompson lived in Cottesloe for many years. On Facebook, Perth shaper and owner of Soul Boardstore Ross Rutherford credited Mr Thompson as “a true pioneer and stalwart of the Western Australian and international shaping scene”.