PADDLE-OUT FOR SAXON ATTRACTS OVER 200 TO QUEENSCLIFF

March 30: More than 200 surf lifesavers from as far south as Bulli and from all over Sydney and the Sydney Northern Beaches joined together in a mass paddle-out to celebrate the life of Saxon Bird at his home beach Queenscliff on Saturday.

It followed the service the day before at St Patrick's College Strathfield, Saxon's old school, which saw 800 mourners pack the school's gymnasium.

Saturday's paddle out also saw Saxon's parents Phil and Dana and sister Arielle join in the laying of a wreath beyond the waves that their son and brother loved so much.

Later that night all the Sydney Northern Beaches craft competitors got together for a celebration of Saxon at the Queenscliff SLSC.

It was a "Suit up for Saxon" night where everyone dressed up in suits and their finest frocks to celebrate the 19 years of their mate.

Queenscliff's Director of Surf Sports Craig Susans said: "it was great to see the kids all out together and it makes you feel proud of the mateship our sport has.

"It was great day to celebrate a great person, who was widely admired and universally liked."