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Surfer Found Dead 100 Yards Off Santa Barbara Beach

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 1:24 PM ET

The body of a surfer was discovered in Santa Barbara on Thursday.

According to reports, just after 1:30pm, authorities were called regarding a surfboard floating 100 yards off Refugio Beach. A rescue team was called in to support.

However, the unidentified adult male was found unresponsive, beneath the surface, and with his leg still attached to his surfboard. Emergency responders pronounced him dead upon arrival on the beach.

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Per local news:

“The body of a man was recovered still leashed to a surfboard off the shores of Gaviota Thursday afternoon.

“Around 1:42 p.m., first responders were dispatched after a surfboard was spotted about 100 yards offshore near the kelp bed along the Gaviota Coast about three-quarters of a mile west of Refugio Beach.

“Rescue watercraft were guided to the surfboard by a rescue helicopter and an adult man was found still leashed to the surfboard and beneath the surface detailed the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

“According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the man's body was brought to Refugio Beach where he was pronounced dead at the scene.”

It was all-hands on deck, with the lifeguards, sheriff, firefighters, and a helicopter working together in the rescue. But the man could not be saved.

No further details were given as to the man’s identity, or the cause of death.

This is a developing story.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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