We have been covering the slaying of six University of California – Santa Barbara students at the hands of a mentally ill spree killer.

UCSB student reporter Max Fernbacher reports on the paddle-out in their memory that was attended by thousands.

[Photo by UCSB’s David Jackson]

Thousands of students and Isla Vista residents gathered on the beach below Manzanita Village for an Isla Vista Paddle-Out Memorial yesterday evening.

The UCSB Surf Team organized the paddle-out as a way to further the healing process among those affected by the tragic events that took place Friday night in I.V. The paddle-out was publicized through word of mouth and Facebook, where 2,900 people identified themselves as attending the event.

Students flocked to the beach between Campus Point and Camino Pescadero at 6:30 p.m. Of those who entered the water, most used surfboards as a means of flotation, but others used paddleboards, kayaks and inflatable rafts. These students then attempted to form a circle about 50 yards offshore.

Flowers were available in buckets along the beach to all in attendance and lifeguards were stationed across the beach and in the water in case of emergency. Many memorial participants formed a large circle in the water, many carrying a flower with them, and I.V. community members and students who did not take part in the paddle-out watched from the beach.

Bradley Martin, a fourth-year anthropology major and member of the UCSB Surf Club, said he did not anticipate such a large turnout at yesterday’s paddle-out.

“I am shocked how many people actually are here right now, I cannot even begin to estimate today’s attendance,” Martin said. “It is just a testament to the strength and resilience of the community. It is great to see everyone coming together to create a calm environment where we can all celebrate one another and honor those we lost this past week.”

…Third year political science and Spanish double major Maria Simoné Rivadeneira said yesterday evening’s paddle-out exemplified UCSB’s “spirit” and allowed students the opportunity to find solace amid the media chaos that followed Friday’s tragic events.

“I think this paddle-out really encompasses the spirit of the UC Santa Barbara community,” Rivadeneira said. “Just the opportunity to go out in the ocean and get away from the press and the media was a much needed spiritual healing for us students.”