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A life cut short ... RIP Chris Elliott

posted by Kelly Footit on 3rd July 2008

We received news late last night, 2nd July, that Christopher Elliott died tragically at the scene of a car accident in Constantia, Cape Town and since then, the posts and comments have been pouring in for someone who will be missed by many.

Wedge Classic Memorial Paddle Out

For those close to Chris, I have been advised that there will be a paddle out on Tuesday morning, 8th July, before the start of the Wedge Classic in Plettenberg Bay where Chris was due to compete for the SABA Junior title.

Llandudno Memorial Paddle Out

For those in Cape Town there will be memorial paddle out at Llandudno on the 16th of July at 16:00 followed by a gathering at the Llandudno Surf Lifesaving Club.

UPDATE FROM GUY ELLIOTT (15th July 2008):

Dear Friends

There will be no paddle out for Chris tomorrow as conditions are not suitable.

The plan, weather permitting, is that we will gather on the rocks below the club at 4pm and throw flowers into the sea where Chris surfed his favourite waves.

Please bring some flowers. We will then move up to the clubhouse for his memorial.

See you then.
Guy Elliott

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At this point, Derek and I, would like to take this opportunity to say a few words about someone who has been a big part our team for the last few years.



Derek Footit:

Chris,

As I write this a tear runs down my cheek at the pure devastation of the loss of a Team Rider, a Passionate Individual, an Excellent Bodyboarder and Inspiration, but most of all a great friend to me and many, many more. You will be sorely missed and grieved over by all that know you and had the pleasure of meeting you. You inspired me with your passionate riding firstly, but as I got to know you better through being on the F7 and Nomad Team, I got a view of the kind of passion for life that overflowed from you to the people around, enjoying every minute. I can't remember a time that my face was dull in your presence and when I grow old and the lines on my face, the smile creases, are fully set in I'll know exactly where they came from and your memory will live on.

To Chris's family and friends my condolences to you all, the world is worse off in your loss.

A true Chris saying: "Ahhh-weah".... till we meet again my friend

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Kelly Footit:

My first memory of Chris was an enthusiastic call from Derek a few years back, telling me there was this young guy from PE that he wanted to get on the F7 team. According to Derek, Chris had the potential both as a rider and as an ambassador for any company and we were excited to get him onto the team. Since then, for me personally it has been a sponsor's dream and an absolute pleasure working with and following a rider who developed into arguably one of the top bodyboarders in the country and for those of us who enjoyed watching him ride, it is unfortunate that we did not get to see Chris reach his prime.

Bodyboarding aside - because everything just pales into insignificance at a time like this - I believe Chris has been an inspiration to many because the cliché "live today like it's your last" was definitely not lost on Chris and while we have had a friend's life tragically cut short, I do believe he lived it as full as he could.

Since last night, my emotions have been bouncing around irrationally and like a lot of us who did not have the chance, I would like to take this opportunity to say good bye ... I never did share a session at Llandudno but one day it will have to be Llandudno in the sky - keep charging bru! We'll always remember you.

My thoughts are with your family and friends during these tough times and would like to extend condolences, from myself, the rest of the F7 & Nomad teams and I'm sure the entire SA bodyboarding community.

Drive safe people!

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