Giant Iceberg Implodes in Antarctica, Creates Refraction Waves (Video)

The footage shows the hunk of ice as it begins to fall apart, crumbling into the frigid ocean. Then, a portion of the berg rises from the depths in a reverse submersion. And while the ice falls, refraction waves are formed, creating rideable ripples crumbling off the collapse.

Too bad nobody was around to surf the ultimate novelty.

It has been done, though, in the past. Surfing calving glaciers has long been considered one of the preeminent novelty surfing experiences. The world’s leading atypical surf spot aficionados – including Dylan Graves and Ben Gravy – have all hunted the great white whale iceberg wave.

And it turns out, the lensman who captured this iceberg collapse is a surfer himself.

“Growing up on the beautiful South Coast of New South Wales in Australia, Kristian was immersed in the ocean and surrounding seascapes from a young age, quickly developing a passion for surfing,” reads Gillies’ website. “When he isn’t out taking photos you can find Kristian surfing along the west coast of Vancouver Island with his friends or exploring the intricate system of inlets along the inside passage.”

Although he was behind the lens during this particular iceberg event, no question, Gillies was wondering: Could I have surfed that thing? Maybe next time.