Hug Your Mates.

Hesitating, I walked delicately towards the crowd of black suits standing in clusters on the sand at 94th Street. Why did I feel so nervous? I saw my friend Elise. She’s 9 years old. We started talking about Surf Camp and how excited she is to start it up again in June.

Photo By Frith Fraser.

This would be my first memorial paddle-out.

Our friend Sean organized everyone. He explained what would happen for the newbies… me. We’d paddle out, following his lead, a bit past the jetty. We’d embrace each other’s hands and form a circle. Words would be said in honor of  Daniel King. Sean said, “Then, you need to create as much energy as possible in celebration of Dan!” We were told to splash our hands in the water and call out his name. And release the flowers we took from Earth into the ocean.

Photo By Josh Gallagher.

As the waves passed under us, Dan’s long-time friend Jodi Jordan Mulvanerty spoke in the middle of the circle. Her words were so touching:

“It is no substitute, but the last two days have been filled with so much love. I’ve seen people deepen their friendships and make new ones and all of that produced love is a result of Dan King. … because energy is never destroyed, just transferred, I can feel him here with us in the love we have for each other and in the ocean and in Rockaway. …I want to ask everyone to make an effort to tell your friends you love them, to make new connections, and to “Hug your mates.” Do it for Dan.” Keep him alive in your love.”

I was overwhelmed by the connection I felt as one person linked into the larger circle. It felt magical. What happened next I oddly didn’t anticipate. We all surfed and boogie-boarded together. Maybe 50 of us? The waves were a little messy, knee-to-waist high, and easy to ride. People cheered for each other on the waves. People talked about Dan. I felt the energy. It was warm and the sun peaked out. Dan’s people on land laid out their blankets and picnicked. It was a day perfectly suited to honor the life of our mate.

Photo by Lauren Giambalvo.

On Monday, March 18, 2024, we lost a dear friend, the vibrant and creative soul, Daniel King, in a tragic car accident. At 39 years old, he left behind his parents, Paul and Eva King, his sister Sarah King, his nephew Cassidy, and his loving family, near and far. Dan leaves behind his cherished Emma, the radiant beacon of his heart, whose love illuminated his every moment. In solidarity with his family and partner, his colleagues, the creative community, his widespread circle of friends, and his mates in Rockaway Beach, Dan is deeply missed and mourned.

Daniel King and his partner Emma Hastil were featured in the pages of the NY Times. Read about their creative endeavors and journey to Rockaway here.

Dan’s vast artist body of work can be viewed at  DanielKing.com.