Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Austin Finian Gibbons is being remembered as a beloved son, nephew and cousin, and a devoted friend and loved member of the Long Beach community by family and friends.
Gibbons, 26, a lifelong Long Beach resident and surfer, drowned and died on July 11 at Skudin Surf, which is also in Long Beach. It is said he suffered a seizure in the water and drowned. Gibbons had survived a surfing accident where he practically drowned in Hawaii last year that put him into a medically induced coma for a week.
He was a surfing instructor at Skudin who helped hundreds of children develop a love of surfing and the ocean.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Austin Gibbons, a cherished member of the Skudin Surf family for over 15 years,” Skudin Surf officials said in an emailed statement. “Austin began his journey with us as a young camper and grew into an exceptional instructor and mentor. A certified lifeguard and talented surfer, Austin was equally known for his warmth, compassion, and the deep care he showed for every camper he taught.
“In the wake of this tragedy, we are focused on supporting our community. Licensed mental health professionals will work with our staff, lifeguards, and campers as we navigate this difficult time together.
“Austin’s presence created an unforgettable mark on our camp and will be profoundly missed. Out of respect for the mourning of the family, friends, and community, we ask only for your prayers at this time.”
Local photographer Bob Arkow, who took many photos of Gibbons surfing noted his passion for the ocean and teaching surfing.
"Austin loved the ocean and loved teaching the local kids to surf," Arkow said. "He was kind, caring and had empathy for others. The kids adored him."
On Facebook, people that knew Gibbons posted remembrances of their friend, who not only surfed but played lacrosse at Long Beach High School and for Nassau Community College.
“The first time I met Austin, it was from behind the lens. He was just a grom surfing in the Unsound Pro,” Brent Hertz wrote. “We then officially met out in the water a few years later. He was a hard charging young ripper always pushing it to the limits. I saw the same zest for life in his eyes that I have, and we connected. He gave his all.
Rip in Paradise bruddah, the community will miss you. Prayers for Strength for his mother and family.”
Gibbons is survived by his parents, Christine and Austin Gibbons, and grandparents Douglas and Geraldine Eidt, and Kathleen Gibbons.
Visitation is on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Christopher T. Jordan Funeral Home, 302 Long Beach Road, Island Park.
The funeral Mass is on Wednesday, at 11 a.m., St. Ignatius’ Martyr R.C. Church, 721 W Broadway, Long Beach.
“We are supporting each other as family, friends and a community,” Christine Gibbons posted on Facebook. “We only need your continued love and prayers. As a way to remember Austin please consider supporting two organizations that were always near and dear to his heart.”
SurfForAll.org and the 343Fund.org.
The Wednesday service is being livestreamed: BeachCatholic.com/watch.
