Fellow paddlers pay tribute in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, where kayaker Simon McLarin died yesterday after he suffered an apparent heart attack.
Video / NZ Herald
Friends and family of a kayaker who suffered a fatal heart attack in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour have paid tribute with a dawn paddle in his honour.
Simon McLarin's friends and family pay tribute with an early morning paddle through the upper reaches of Auckland's Waitematā Harbour. Photo / Dean Purcell
Today, club mates, including McLarin’s sons, paddled out at dawn to lay a wreath to honour him.
The group of about 15 could be seen heading out into the harbour as the sun rose over the city.
Emergency services were called to an area offshore from Hobsonville Marina at around 8.35am yesterday.
Despite a multi-agency rescue operation, McLarin did not survive.
A friend out on the water with him when the tragedy struck, told the Herald that McLarin suffered a heart attack while paddling with seven others during a training.
“I was with him on the water as part of the kayak training group,” the friend said.
Simon McLarin's sons joined club mates at dawn today to lay a wreath in Waitematā Harbour.
Matt Thomson, who has competed against and alongside McLarin, described him as a “legend” of the sport.
“Simon was a legend of kayaking in New Zealand with multiple NZ titles in sprint and marathon,” Thomson said.
“I competed against him in many events, including NZ champs. I had huge respect for his competitiveness and strength.
“He was also generous of spirit and always found time to help others.”
Friends have named Waitematā Canoe and Multisport Club member and father Simon McLarin as the person who died following the medical event yesterday. Photo / Facebook
In an online tribute, another friend said McLarin would be sorely missed during their early morning training sessions.
