Fire Island, New York Surf Report

Kristen left us all as better people because of the light she brought into each of our lives. She brought us all together! The parties and bonfires at the beach were always fun because she was there and she always called all forth to be apart of it-no matter who you are, no matter your age or story. She lived with compassion for all. She was accepting of all. She is my true hero. If everyone lived there lives this way, the world would be blissful. I believe her soul purpose was bring this love to the physical plane to forever change all that knew her. In her memory, we can all live the lessons she taught us through her love and friendship. Rest in Peace, my dear friend. I love you.

WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU GOD BLESS

Kristen is the best. I look up to her so much. One day in the summer we both took off on the same wave. She went right and I went left. We were both stoked. When we got out of the water one of the guys said, “Great ride. Two girl surfers on the same wave here on Long Island, you don’t see that too often…” I’m going to miss seeing her smile out in the line up, but at least I know she’ll be riding every wave with me. Ride on, Kristen. Love you.

We all lost someone who was so easy to appreciate. Over the last few years Mike and Kristen have been the key piece that kept everyone hanging out and building new friendships. If I was up early enough to get to the beach as the sun was coming up I knew I was going to have a fun time as soon as I saw Kristen’s huge smile through the glare of the passenger side window. Her dedication and commitment kept us all motivated on the worst days. She enjoyed it more than anyone and it was truly magical to see her push her limits or help some one else do the same. I can remember countless silent encounters on big days when she would make brief eye contact just to let you know she saw you a split second before she through herself over the ledge. I will remember those times for the rest of my life and I know she will be out there with us from now on.

Mike without you I would have never had the privilege of meeting Kristen. Without you Kristen would have never learned to love the sport we all love. I will never pretend to know what you are going through I can only listen if you need someone to talk to.

i’ve only known kristin for a few years, but in my heart i feel like i’ve known her alot longer…...mike you and kristin welcomed me into your lives and i’m a better person because of it…..with a heavy heart i say, we’ll miss you kristen…..

A beautiful person, a beautiful soul, a beautiful friend. Though we did not know each other for very long, it seems like a lifetime full of smiles and laughter. It started with the realization of our shared connections of family and friends, and developed into an amazing friendship over such a short period of time.

We’ll always be comforted knowing Cailin has an angel with her in the lineup as she starts chasing this shared passion. If she ever backs off all I’ll have to tell her is….KRISTEN WOULD GO!

We’ll be waiting for you to let us know you are around, and I’m sure it won’t be subtle! I know I’ll “talk” to you soon.

Mike, we love you and are never far away. It won’t be to hard to remember that wonderful smile and how much she positively influenced the lives of so many. We are all truly blessed to have known and loved her.

Johnny and Meg

In one of the few times in my life I am having difficulty matching the right words to the emotions and times I’ve had the honor to have shared with such a truly pure and wonderful person that I was given the opportunity to have formed a friendship with. Being a fairly cautious person I was amazed how easily I was able to open up to her and let her and Mike into my life. To me Kristen has meant much more to me than a friend. Her unselfish, giving attitude and lust for life and the happiness of those around her has touched me in a way that few have been able to match over the years. She is hands down a soul that cannot be replaced and we have all been robbed of such a person that has surely had so much more to give. She not only has forged new friendships to me but also had a very compelling hand in re-establishing old friendships that had slowed over the years. Her smile is contagious and she would always go out of her way to paddle over if for anything but just to say hello. My only regret is not having the time to get to know her and Mike better. Having met some of her family this past summer I see where she got the personality she had and watching her with her nieces you could easily see the love she had for her family. An outstanding surfer and all-around outdoorswoman she is a breath of fresh air and an inspiration for us all. Never one to judge another for their past or how they live their life I can only hope we can all learn to be more like her and her husband. Kristen will be surely missed by all and will always hold a special place in my heart. I can only hope to live the rest of my days more like she has lived hers.

My deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to her husband and her family. Thank you for being a part of our lives

Dennis & Melissa

Kristen was truly a beautiful person inside and out. Although, I met here recently, I am honored to call her a friend. Her and Mike were, and always will be an important part of the beach crew. She brought many people together and new bonds and friendships were formed because of her. Not only a terrific surfer but a great person with a great spirit and optimism. Over the summer she was usually one of the first people at the beach, in the water and one of the last to leave. She was always incredibly generous. I think that is what I will remember the most. Whatever she had, whether it food, drink, or an extra surfboard she was always ready to share it with you with a smile on her face. Mike, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know she will be looking down on us with that same smile.

One night we were packing up to make our way off the beach. Most of the crowd was gone but the fire was still burning. As we were about to close the hatch, Yuki and I looked at each other… do we really have to leave now? We looked back at our friends, and at the beautiful sky that night, and we said no we can’t leave now. Kristen, you shared that passion with us. We came back over and said “we’re not leaving”, and you said with a smile “alright! want another drink?” We had some more sweet tea vodka and enjoyed every last moment of the day. I cherish the time we spent together, your energy has changed my life and the lives of so many others. Your soul is strong and your spirit will live on forever! Remember the four of us (maybe 5… otis?) passing out while watching a surf movie at glenns? I remember you telling us about your home, the yard, and that you can build your dream. You told me to find mine, and create it. I will take those words with me forever and I’ll be a better person because of it. Kristen you have made such an impact on us in such a short time. We admire you greatly, we love you so much, and we’ll miss you dearly. Rest in peace friend. Vin + Yuki

Smith’s point will never be the same with out her! Years would pass and faces on the beach would change but one sure thing was kristen would always be at her home the beach and catching waves big and small. People like her make smith’s point a great place to be U will never be forgotten rest in peace

Kristen was truly one of the nicest people i have ever met! They are few people that have gone out of there way to help and be kind to people, kristen is one of the few. It is nice to see that she has made many people’s lives brighter. My prayers go out to Mike,FAMILY AND FRIENDS

To All of Kristen’s friends,

I want to thank all of you for helping to shape Kristen’s smile. When she spoke to me about her encounters with the waves and all of you, her face lit up with joy. My sorrow in loosing a wonderful daughter and friend cannot be measured. Just know that I will be out there this summer to watch all of you and Kristen’s sister on the waves too! My love and gratitude goes out to each and every one of you.

Love. Janet

Hear Kristen in the waves. See Kristen in the gentle snow that falls from the sky. Feel Kristen on your face from the warmth of the sun. We will “Always” have Kristen in our lives within our hearts. Lori and Jeanine

hi i am tiffany, mrs.bednar was my gym coach for 5 years. she was basicly a sister to me and i miss her every day…. we are having a dedication ceremony on friday april… well i have noooo idea what the date will be but she was very loved and respected at birch lane elementary school…

My sister was one who went to the beat of her own drum. She never allowed others to influence her, not even me. She was trying to teach me the meaning of life and to think positve.

Last summer we became closer then ever because she welcomed me into her world of friends and surf. I told her how proud I was of her for the way she rode the waves. She seemed so at peace on the waves. I will never forget her teaching me, she would spend hours in the water with me so I would not be alone.

I know that when I attempt surfing this summer she will be with me again.

I miss you so much baby sister.

Love Jennifer