A surfer memorial service, Huntington Beach Pier, Orange County, California.
Death within the surfing community is often marked with a ritual, whereby the deceased's friends paddling out beyond the breakers where they sit on their boards, holding hands in the shape of a ring. After a period of reflection, prayer and tears, the group paddles back toward the surf to catch a few waves in memory of their departed friend.
Often these services take place at sunrise or sunset. In locations with a pier, such as Huntington Beach, the service can take place near the end of the pier so that 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.