The South West Surf community has lost a legend with the sudden passing of Richard Monk, owner of Saltcity Surf Shop, Fore Street, Exeter. Our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time.
News of Rich’s passing has hit hard, as the torrent of tributes currently on the Saltcity Facebook page shows, Rich was dearly loved, a friend, fellow surfer and confidant to so many and will be sorely missed. A paddle out to honour his memory at one of his local breaks, Dawlish Warren, has been arranged for 7.30 am this Saturday July the 23rd.
A recent post on the Facebook page read’s as follows
“He was at the heart of life on Fore street Exeter, with his shop Ocean Blue / Saltcity kitting out surfers for over 30 years, but he was more than a shop keeper, a son, brother, father, friend and neighbour. He was always kind and supportive to so many of us. We would love to invite everyone far and wide to take a moment on Saturday 23rd July 2022 to say goodbye to Rich.”
Some of the tributes left on the Facebook page include:
“I am at a total loss to this recent post, about a great man. Deepest heart felt condolences to the family. Rip man. You will be sorely missed for Sure!!!
“In total shock Ritchie Monk, the most chilled out, kindest, thoughtful man I’ve met. So glad we got to spend some time together. I’ll cherish every minute of it and be so sad I won’t get to do it again. You were loved by so many.”
“I am going to miss him so much, his flip flops, his rainy day discounts, his spirit, his friendship. We love you Rich, Monkey, SaltCity dude… xxx.”
And let’s not forget his legendary hugs!
RIP Rich.
Details of the paddle out can be found on the Saltcity Facebook page Saltcity Surf Shop
Paddle out for Rich this Saturday morning
23rd July – Dawlish Warren Beach
A Celebration of Life for Richard Monk.
There will be a community paddle out / traditional surfers send off at Dawlish Warren
Morning of Saturday 23rd July 2022
• 07:30 AM – meet in car park as per map and walk up to beach
• 08:00 AM – paddle out from beach to form circle
• 08:30 AM – let the flowers go into water
On the day:
We will paddle out and make a big circle sitting on our boards /paddleboards etc. This will be our opportunity to share a few memories, thoughts, moments of silence. Then we’ll break rank give big cheers and splash water in a way that he will be would be stoked about.
If you want to bring a flower to lay in the sea these will be collected in a bucket(s) on the beach, and this will be brought out into the circle once in place.
After the paddle out there will be time to share memories on the beach with everyone. Why not have your breakfast on the beach? There’s a cafe nearby if you want it.
Can’t make it to the Warren or have an alternate location where you would like to remember Rich? Such as your local break. Please join us in this celebration of his life at the same time.
Let’s send our kindness and love back to him. Share it with those around us like Rich did in the waves! Feel free to post some pictures afterwards.
**Please note!
We will be entering the sea. Only do so if you are comfortable and at your own risk. There are currents and potentially swell. Only enter the water if you are a competent / confident swimmer. We ask you to only paddle out only as far as you feel comfortable. Circles can be linked to the shore if required. You all know your own abilities. Please wear appropriate safety gear, leashes etc.
