Tributes for a ‘humble, kind, legend’
DAYS before his death, Alex “Chumpy” Pullin had been champing at the bit to get back out on the reef.
Gold Coast physiotherapist Scott Johnstone has shared a poignant surfing escapade he had last week with the “humble legend” and final messages exchanged between the pair.
Their chance encounter came days before Pullin’s spearfishing tragedy at a Palm Beach artificial reef on Wednesday where it is thought he had a shallow water blackout.
He was discovered unresponsive on the ocean floor and dragged to shore, but couldn’t be revived despite almost an hour of CPR.
Mr Johnstone, on Instagram, recounts how he met the avid musician and athlete at the same reef just six days before his death.
“I recognised him and was pretty starstruck as I had been a big fan,” he wrote in a post on Wednesday night. “A true Australian sporting legend and it (was) just me and him trading waves.
“He was stoked on the water clarity and talking about how good a day it would be for spearfishing on the reef. He was pumped about his hobby and the feeling it gave to bring home fish to his partner and friends.”
Messages he shared from Pullin, a two-time snowboarding world champion, say: “I’m so keen to score the reef again when it picks up! Man that was fun.”
Mr Johnstone said Pullin was “pumped” for a shift in career, upcoming projects and “living the dream” in Palm Beach.
“We came in at the same time and walked up to the showers together. He shook my hand and introduced himself again as ‘Chumpy’.
“I thought to myself what an absolute humble legend – I already know who you are man, I have watched you win world championships. I have been inspired seeing your training and agility work for years. I thought ‘What an absolute humble legend’.
“We spoke during the week about our session surfing the reef again and he was quick to offer advice about spearfishing gear. I am going to be calling Palmy Reef ‘Chumpy’s Reef’. No session will ever be the same again out here with what has happened
THE girlfriend of Alex “Chumpy” Pullin has penned a heartbroken goodbye to the world champion snowboarder after his shock death while spearfishing at Palm Beach.
In an emotional letter pinned to the front door of the couple’s Gold Coast home for media, Ellidy Vlug wrote Alex “loved life and lived it to the full”.
Pullin’s death has prompted an outpouring of memories from the national and international sporting community.
“He lived for us – his family, our puppy
but I can only try to remember the vibe.”
Fellow Red Bull athlete and three-time surfing world champion Mick Fanning posted: “He accomplished so much in his sport but the work that he put in and the dedication to his craft was second to none. I’ve never seen someone work as hard.
“His humbleness and joy for life was inspiring. Honoured to have known him.”
US snowboarder Stacy Gaskill shared fond members of the 32-year-old: “There was a day this past year where Chumpy and I
Rummi, our amazing friends and the home we made together,” Ms Vlug wrote. “He was living his dream, our dream.
“I am eternally grateful that I have lived my life with him and I am deeply saddened that his life has been cut short.
“Rest in peace my beautiful man,” she wrote.
The couple had been together almost 10 years after getting together at friend and surfer Laura Enever’s birthday party.
They were based on the southern Gold Coast where they lived with oneyear-old kelpie Rummi.
had both not gotten the result we would have liked and so while everyone else trained for heats, we got to do some soul riding.
“There was zero visibility and yet it was one of the rowdiest, best days I’ve had on a board.
“Chumpy, you were one of the greats and impacted so many but I simply thank you for your kindness and for taking the time to share your wisdom with a kid feeling lost on the World Cup.
“You remind us all to love what we do and do it boldly.
“Keep shredding mate.”