Arthur and his family moved from Brazil to Revere, MA. a few years ago.
When 26 year old Arthur planned his weekend surf trip to Cape Cod, his Aunt begged him not to go.
“There are too many Great Whites there!”
Arthur smiled and said:
“I am too fast for the sharks”
As he and his friend Isaac prepared to paddle out that morning, Arthur held out his arms to the ocean and proclaimed:
"This is the life I love, This is where I want to be!"
At noon, on an idyllic September day, with great waves (pic 1)
Arthur Gave Medici, took our place, and was killed by a Great White.
Saturday, Arthur’s grief stricken family came to his paddle-out at Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, MA.
Our entire surf community came to honor the life of a man, that none of us had ever met.
It was an emotional day for all, beginning with cloudy drizzle and tears of grief.
After the beach tribute, the skies lightened for the paddled out.
Arthur's Aunt had us all repeat Arthur's proclamation of love for the Ocean:
"This is the life I love, This is where I want to be!"
In a show of love and heroic strength, Arthur’s young friend Isaac, who literally pulled Arthur from the jaws of a huge attacking shark, made a last minute decision to paddle out on his bodyboard, to join the circle.
A trio of surfers raced in and circled Issac with boards as he paddled out.
One slipped off his rescue board and gave it to Isaac.
It was an amazing moment that displayed the power of Love and Respect.
As we paddled back in, the sun came out with it’s healing warmth…. introductions, conversations, hugs and smiles filled the beach.
That night, all of Arthur’s family and friends joined us at the Orleans Surf Film Festival.
The festival is a yearly celebration of our surf community… it’s history and it’s future.
That day, Arthur’s family and friends came closer to understanding why Arthur was so passionate about surfing.
We came to know and love, Arthur Gave Medici, his wonderful family and friends.
FB Link to my 90 sec. video of the paddle out (I did not post it on Youtube)
https://www.facebook.com/rick.weeks.33/posts/10205186655702874?comment_id=10205191109014204¬if_id=1540160580511633¬if_t=feed_comment