A student died while surfing during the holiday of a lifetime.

It was the first time Stuart Randall, 21, on a three-month volunteer project to Ecuador, had tried the sport.

Stuart, from Worthing, was swept out to sea by a riptide and his body was found on a beach six days later.

Mother Maggie Randall, 49, of Windsor Road, Worthing, said: "It doesn't seem real. He was just a kid enjoying himself on holiday. It is hard to imagine he died.

"Stuart and a friend were out surfing side by side. A wave came up and washed over them both. His friend came up but my son didn't. He was swept under a riptide.

"Stuart had never been surfing before that week. I don't blame anyone for his death though. It was just one of those things."

She said other surfers mounted a desperate rescue bid from the beach at Montanita in Ecuador but were unable to find Stuart who had been sucked under the turbulent water.

Meanwhile friends ran into the nearby village for help but there were no police or medics in the area. Divers searched for his body for three days in vain.

Stuart, a keen footballer and cricketer, and seven pals were enjoying a week of free time. They were living in a hostel on the beach when they decided to rent surf boards. Stuart had been staying on a reserve in Bilsa, Ecuador, since the beginning of July.

The project involved replanting saplings in rainforests, trekking through the jungle and learning about flora and fauna.

Stuart also spent a few days learning Spanish at the start of the trip.

Mrs Randall flicked through photographs of her son's time in Ecuador and said: "He was having a fantastic time there. There was work involved but for him it was an adventure holiday. He was just enjoying himself."

Deirdre Bounds, spokeswoman for Leeds-based travel company I-to-I holidays, said: "Stuart's death was a terrible tragedy. We were all very distressed by the situation. More than anything else our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

"We believe the accident was beyond our control. Montanita is a popular holiday spot for backpackers. It is recommended in the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide.

"But we will now be advising travellers who may be swimming or surfing in the area to be cautious. I also understand the local surf school will now give surf lessons when people rent boards."

She said the company had done everything it could to help the family and their expenses were covered by insurance.

Stuart's mother and sister Laura, 24, flew to Ecuador two days after the accident and came home with Stuart's body a week later.

Mrs Randall, who lost her husband, Pete, two years ago, said: "When we arrived at the beach I was struck by how calm the sea was. It looked idyllic, not dangerous. I still had a glimmer of hope Stuart may be still alive.

"When we were told his body had been washed up on a nearby beach, it was very emotional.

"I understand there were whirlpools and strong riptides underneath the water where Stuart died. There were no danger signs but I think some of the locals have made some now.

"The British Consulate was really helpful. They helped us translate the death certificate and arranged for Stuart's body to be flown back. I-to-I was also very supportive. Stuart's friends out there were great."

She said Stuart, a former pupil of St Andrew's School in Worthing, was a person who lived life to the full. Mrs Randall said: "He was a fun-loving person, a bit of a joker."

Stuart had been due to complete the final year of his masters degree in civil engineering at Bristol University on his return.

His funeral takes place at Worthing Crematorium on Thursday. An inquest will be held in the next six weeks.