Gold Coast surf community reeling after death of ‘local legend’

A man who drowned at a popular Gold Coast beach on the weekend has been remembered as a “legend” of the local surfing scene and “a real character”.

Al Benstead in action. The "local legend" died at Froggy Beach on Saturday morning. Picture: Supplied

A man who drowned at a popular Gold Coast beach on the weekend has been remembered as a “legend” of the local surfing scene and “a real character”.

Al Benstead died at Froggy Beach on Saturday morning, just south of where hundreds of surfers had gathered at Snapper Rocks for the World Club Challenge.

Al Benstead died near Snapper Rocks where the World Club Challenge was taking place. Picture: Supplied

Surfers saw Mr Benstead floating face down in the water at Froggy’s just before 9am Saturday, and despite desperate efforts of paramedics who quickly arrived on the scene, he could not be revived.

Friends of Mr Benstead took to social media to share their memories of the “local legend” who had been part of the Snapper surfing furniture for years.

Richard Smith described him as a “Rainbow Bay legend” while Julie Allen paid tribute to “a real character on the surf scene at Snapper Rocks”.

Al Benstead in action. He was described as a “character like no other”. Picture: Supplied

“I know how shocked and sad the surf community will be feeling right now,” she wrote.

Neal Purchase wrote on Facebook that Mr Benstead was “a character like no other”.

“We all shared the line-up for many years with Al...Snapper, D-Bar, Kirra... so sad,” he wrote.

“RIP Al.”

“Rest Easy Al Benstead,” wrote Simon Saffigna on Facebook.

“Got some great memories of surfing big Snapper Lefts with you as a grom (grommet or junior surfer).”

“Christmas and so many other moments will never be the same without your presence, your humor, and your kindness,” wrote Naoko Wyatt.

“Thank you for all the memories we’ve shared over the years.

“Rest in peace, knowing that you are deeply loved and will be greatly missed.”

On Monday, Acting Superintendent Jason Tuffley said a trio of young surfers - believed to be aged under 17 - discovered Mr Benstead face down in the water and heroically attempted to save him.

“They did a great job,” he said.

“They were able to bring him to shore.

“They contacted triple-0.

“Close by, there was a surf carnival occurring [the World Club Challenge] and a number of surf life savers attended and attempted to perform CPR.

“A short time later, the ambulance arrived and they continued with CPR.

“However, unfortunately that was unsuccessful.”

Originally published as Gold Coast surf community reeling after death of ‘local legend’