Island Water Sports in Deerfield Beach, Florida has offered a lot of support to the local community in the wake of the horrific school shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in nearby Parkland.
On Sunday, the shop hosted a paddle-out to honor and celebrate the lives of the 17 victims of the tragedy.
There was a huge turnout for the event, and we asked co-owner Linsey Cottrell some question about how it all came together.
Can you tell us what it has been like for the community there since the shooting?
Linsey Cottrell: This has rocked our community to the core, but out of great tragedy we have heard some inspiring stories of bravery and kindness.
Everyone has come out to support these students and their families. But the most inspiring thing I have seen is the ability of the students to comfort one another in a truly inconsolable time.
They have found strength in one another and hold each other close. The majority of us will go our entire lives never having to witness what these children did. So to see the kids be such a light for so many and to stand with one another in such a dark time has been incredible.
I’ve never seen so many high school kids talking to one another without their cell phones in their hands, speaking out for what they believe, and demanding to be heard on serious issues.
It’s a powerful thing to watch go down in your backyard.
How did the paddle-out go?
Linsey Cottrell: The paddle-out went surprisingly smoothly. We had southeast winds for about five straight days before Sunday and all week we were stressing about the weather.
I woke up Sunday at 7 am and drove down to the beach, and there were strong winds and choppy seas. I just prayed that the wind would back off and the waves would calm down. It’s very rare that a South Florida surf shop prays for this!
Then at 11 am when we walked the boards down to the beach, a waist-to chest-high set started rolling in. But thankfully, right at 11:30 the wind started to die down and the sets were few and far between.
By the time we paddled out at 12:15 pm the waves had turned off, so every participant made it out. The wind quieted down to a light breeze so everyone could hear the blessing and the prayers shared by the students and friends. And it was calm enough that everyone was able to join hands and truly celebrate together.
Do you know how many people came?
Linsey Cottrell: There were about 300 to 400 people in the paddle-out and probably 1,000 on the beach. We had about 20 Marjorie Stoneman Douglas students participate, and they were in the middle of the circle, and were able to share memories of their classmates and teachers.
Some of these kids had never been on a surfboard before and they got themselves out there. It was awesome to share that stoke with them after a truly hellacious week.
Is there anything else you want to tell us about the event?
Linsey Cottrell: One thing to know about the paddle-out – it wasn’t a protest, and it wasn’t a rally. This was just a moment to celebrate the lives of those who were lost.
My Dad used to pray every day that God would give us “a peace that passes all understanding.” I truly felt that in the water on Sunday. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
