The Canary Islands surfing community is in mourning, saying goodbye to 27-year-old bodyboarder Santiago Cruz who lost his life last Saturday surfing a secret wave northwest of Lanzarote, several local media reported.

A ceremony that took place on Tuesday in La Santa, Lanzarote, in which the traditional circle was held, will be followed by another one that will take place this Saturday in Caleta de Adeje, in Tenerife, the island where she was born.

Cruz was a respected and experienced bodyboarder, he had competed in various international tournaments, he lived in Lanzarote and was used to heavy seas.

According to the authorities, a strong blow to the head was what caused his death. Other surfers went to his rescue and managed to transfer him urgently to a boat that was passing by, but when assistance arrived it was too late.

A Spanish surfing specialist, José María de Paz, put the event and the ceremony that took place on Tuesday into context in an Instagram post: “Once again, Canarian surfing and bodyboarding has given a nice farewell to one of its own, as it did before with great people like Richard Americano, David Infante El Fula, Rubén Tilico, Manuel Cyphelly, and so many others. Santi will leave an indelible memory in all his friends and colleagues, his smile and motivation in the waves was very dear and contagious. Keep enjoying yourself wherever you are.”

According to a note published today by the Magicseaweed website, the series of waves in the Canary Islands in recent weeks has been historic, with great days and perfect conditions that do not stop.