A Givealittle page has been launched for the family of a man who died while surfing at Aramoana Beach just north of Dunedin on the weekend.
Jamie Civil drowned while surfing at around 2:30pm on Saturday. A Givealittle page has been set up to support his partner Courtney and baby daughter Lenni.
The page, which was set up by The South Coast Boardriders Association, has already raised more than $35,000.
The Givealittle page says the New Zealand surfing community lost "one of its most respected surfers". It also revealed Courtney and Lenni were at the beach when Civil drowned.
"Jamie Civil drowned while surfing huge waves at Aramoana. These were the conditions he lived for, was talented and experienced with and thrived in, making the tragedy so much harder for people to process.
"Jamie's partner Courtney and their baby daughter Lenni were at the beach when the incident happened. Jamie loved them both dearly. They had become a perfect part of his world and he loved the beautiful life they created and were building for their future."
A separate Givealittle page for Courtney has raised more than $31,000.
The page says Civil was the "only wage earner of the household" and the money will be used to cover funeral costs and ongoing living expenses.
"Father to six-month-old Lenni Sol, loving partner to Courtney, and adored by friends, family and those close to him. A life taken away too soon.
"Jamie was a dedicated family man supporting Courtney and baby Lenni, and was the only wage earner of the household. This page has been set up to cover funeral expenses and ongoing living costs to support Lenni and Courtney during this difficult time," it read.
Emergency services were called to the beach on Saturday after reports a man was in trouble in the water. Police said the man was brought in from the water and given medical attention but was unable to be revived. His death has been referred to the Coroner.
The South Coast Boardriders Association posted a tribute to Civil on its Facebook page on Sunday.
"Please remember Jamie, his kindness, and his adventurous spirit well. Remember what he gifted you by knowing you, and what you gifted him by knowing him. Hold your loved ones close," it said.
