14/12/2025: a dark day in bondi

I enjoy writing a lot, but never thought I’d find myself writing about something like this. I’ve generally always maintained my psychological composure through disturbing events, and at times even questioned my emotional sensibilities given my somewhat involuntary stoic demeanour.

Even though I didn’t know anyone personally that was killed, injured, or even a witness in the heinous mass shooting on Sunday 14/12/2025, at the park in North Bondi, it didn’t matter, as it still hit me deeply; physically, as well as emotionally.
I’ve been coming to Bondi with my family since before I started skating or surfing, to go for a swim, or have fish & chips on the grass and just watch the ocean in motion. I used to consider myself an introvert, and while I still indeed treasure some moments alone, in recent years I’ve come to understand and feel more & more strongly about the value of people and community. In the most intrinsic manner, we literally cannot survive without other people’s support.
I can’t even begin to imagine the grief that those more directly affected are feeling, and among the Jewish community who’ve lost several friends, family and loved ones.

Floral tributes amassed at Bondi Pavilion.

Now, this doesn’t just apply to skating, but without our forebear’s and the communities that nurtured them, we would ultimately be without not only the physical means to practise our chosen pursuits, but we’d lack the inspiration that got us hooked & dedicated in the first place.
I co-founded Bondi Skateriders Club to provide a platform to foster such a community, push each other positively and progress the art through inspiration, and celebrate & enjoy not only the craft which we love to the point of masochism, but also the amazing surrounds of where the iconic skatepark is situated. Even though there have indeed been some dark moments in local history, to so many people globally, Bondi has most always symbolised a place of fun, joy, freedom, healthy lifestyles (all partying aside!), equality to pull up and set your towel down on the sand next to whomever, as well as a vibrant natural beauty within a virtual stone’s throw of Australia’s biggest city. That perspective has now been shattered with the overt visions we have observed en masse via our screens since those terrible moments. Truly devastating scenes that will be hard to forget, no matter how long you may have lived around the area.
The week following the shooting I visited the Pavilion where the flower tributes had been laid, to feel and contribute to the vibe that the community has been left with, where a local Jewish leader gave a heartfelt speech around unity. Then on the Friday morning after, I joined the thousands of people that created a massive swim and paddle-out in honour of the victims and the community. Both of these experiences made me feel even more connected beyond my personal roots. The first was sombre, visceral, reflective of who, and what, we’ve lost. While the paddle-out was seemingly more an expression of hope and celebration, of where and who we are as sub-cultures within an overarching community that cares for one another, beyond our imagined subdivisions. I pray that we can maintain this kind of ethos, and have it filter beyond Bondi and out into the world, to make us truly feel that. As the poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou wrote – “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike..”

The swim and paddle-out for the victims.

My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy, and I stand tall to salute all of the heroes who selflessly put themselves in the line of fire to help others in a terrifying situation. Let us use these actions to signify what it means to not only be Australian, but to be a truly compassionate and selfless human being.

Peace and love
xo

Many moons before the fateful day, OG Aus skate photographer, Dave Adair, shot me on the same bridge where it all happened, but with his weapon of reflection, not destruction.

NB: I wrote this piece the week following the shooting, and originally published it on Facebook and Instagram at the time.

Article authored by Ti Coleing, lifelong skateboarder, industry guy, and head coach & fun-provider at Flow:Skate.
We offer coaching for all levels, however our main focus is intermediate to advanced skaters looking to take their skills & mental fortitude to the next level.