As Easter Weekend commenced on Australia’s eastern seaboard, with it came a gigantic, deadly, and in some cases “almost un-surfable” swell. In New South Wales, the situation was lethal, leaving multiple casualties amidst the heavy surf. Down in Sydney, surfers geared up for what many were calling the “day of the decade” at Cape Solander – perhaps the biggest, gnarliest conditions at the monstrous slab since the infamous Red Bull Cape Fear event from 2016.
Did it live up to the hype? There were moments, for sure, moments of both glory, and absurdity. Some incomprehensible waves rolled through the reef; mutant liquid blobs not made for mankind. For more highlights from the historic swell, check out Tim Bonython’s coverage below:
“I have waited for years to film Cape Solander big, like real BIG,” Bonython captioned. “And it could not have happened on a better day. Here's part one of two exceptional days, Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Cape Solander turns back into Cape Fear. Waves measuring 6 to 10 feet with some 15 foot BOMBS! Featuring the Mad Hueys, Max McGuigan, Oscar Berry & Jimmi Hill. Plus the Mullet Lord, Kipp Caddy and others. This swell was so raw it was almost unsurfable. But when the Cape is breaking these surfers don't say ‘no.’”
For a surfer’s perspective, dream team media duo, Hannah Anderson and Nick Carroll, spoke with charger Max McGuigan about the session. McGuigan said:
“As the day went on, it just got better and better. With a little bit more tide. Earlier in the morning, there was just this nasty step. It was hard to get down. You had to get over the step, navigate the backwash, then the barrel…but as the tide came up, it just got better and better. I swear for a good two hours there, every 10 minutes it was just 8-to10-footers. I don’t think I’ve been out there when it’s been like that. It was pretty pumping.”
The return of Cape Fear? Scary stuff.
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