A 15-year-old surfer killed by a shark off the coast of South Australia was a “standout” talent, his club has said.

Khai Cowley died after being attacked by a suspected great white while surfing with his father on Thursday.

Seaview Road Board Riders said he was the third-generation of his family to find a home at the club, following his grandfather and uncle, with all three winning awards at a recent surfing festival.

Writing on Facebook, it said it was in a state of “disbelief and devastation” following Khai’s death.

“You will live on in our hearts and memories,” its tribute added.

“We will all miss you so much and will keep on shredding for you.”

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The incident near Ethel Beach in Innes National Park, west of Khai’s hometown Adelaide, was the third deadly shark attack in waters off South Australia since May.

Unlike Khai, whose body was brought to shore, the other two victims were never recovered.

State premier Peter Malinauskas said this year’s fatal attacks were “startling and of concern”, given there had only been eight in the previous 22 years.

Adelaide-based shark expert Andrew Fox said the increase this year was hard to explain, but that overcast conditions like those at Ethel Beach on Thursday can embolden the animals to attack.

The only other fatal shark attack in Australia this year was in a river in Perth in February, when a bull shark killed a 16-year-old girl.

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