Aussie family devastated after surfer Sam Kepompong dies riding waves near Bali

A surfer has tragically died while riding waves near Bali, leaving his family in Australia devastated.

Samsul “Sam” Kepompong, 33, was hit by a wave while surfing at Ekas Beach, on the southeastern border of Lombok island, on Friday.

Kepompong, a surfing instructor and Indonesian national, had travelled with friends and a group of guests from Central Lombok to Ekas beach to conduct lessons.

While he was surfing with the students, his surfboard rope broke and he was immediately smashed by a big wave, local media outlets report.

Kepompong quickly called out to a fellow surfing coach for help, but he was unable to assist because of the size of the waves.

As Kepompong was swept out into the ocean, his friend went and got a boat in which to rescue him.

However, Kepompong died on the way to a medical centre.

According to social media, Kepompong also previously worked at Novotel in Bali — which sits directly west of Lombok Island.

Kepompong’s cousin Lopan Lopan, who is based in NSW, said he was a “friend, uncle, and son” whose “kindness, laughter, and smile made the world a better place”.

“Sam worked hard to support his family, especially his dad, who is the full-time carer for Sam’s brother with special needs,” Lopan said.

Members of Kepompong’s surfing community did a paddle-out memorial for the beloved instructor on Monday.

As his family comes to terms with the tragedy, Lopan has launched a GoFundMe to assist with funeral costs.