Gold Coast paddle pays tribute to Olympian Alex Pullin

Family and friends of snowboarder Alex "Chumpy" Pullin have gathered in his memory on the beach where he died while spearfishing.

Girlfriend Ellidy Vlug is consoled by friends and family during the 'Paddle Out For Chumpy' event. Source: AAP

Hundreds of people have paddled into the waters off the Gold Coast to pay tribute to dual world champion snowboarder Alex "Chumpy" Pullin.

The crowd included Mr Pullin's partner Ellidy Vlug and surfing world champions Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore.

Mr Pullin, 32, died while spearfishing along an artificial reef off Palm Beach on the Gold Coast on Wednesday.

Friends, family, and community members swim out in the early morning during the 'Paddle Out For Chumpy' Source: AAP

Friends and family joined by Mr Pullin's dog Rummi gathered on the beach early on Saturday morning before a group of boardriders paddled into the water for the surfing tribute.

Mr Pullin was the flag-bearer for Australia at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

He won world championship titles in 2011 and 2013, and nine World Cup gold medals.

Emotions run high at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast where Alex Pullin drowned on July 8. Source: AAP

Mr Pullin was raised in the foothills of the Victorian Alps in Mansfield, the support town for the Mt Buller ski resort, which posted a tribute on its official Facebook page.

His parents owned and ran a ski shop in Mansfield and, according to his website, he learnt to ski at the age of three.

Girlfriend Ellidy Vlug along with friends and family pay their respects at the memorial set up at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast. Source: AAP

Mr Pullin took up snowboarding when he was eight.

Police are preparing a report on Mr Pullin's death for the coroner.