“Never Underestimate the Power of the Ocean, Even at Your Local”

Originally posted on SURFER | By Zander Morton | Last updated 3/21/24

If you've ever been to Snapper Rocks, you know there are two ways to enter the ocean. First is the safe way through the sandy keyhole, which sweeps you down the point, and puts you in the back of the line — forced to fight the crowd and current for poll position.

The second (and extremely dangerous) way is to scurry up the rocks behind the wave, time the sets, and jump straight in. It's a perilous move, and it's one that's reserved mostly for the longtime locals, guys Like Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson.

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A post shared by Joel Parkinson (@joelparko)

Yesterday, during a solid swell, Parko clamored up the rocks and jumped in, just like he has thousands of times on big days before. Except this time, after misjudging a set, it almost ended in disaster.

"Never underestimate the power of the ocean, even at your local," writes Parko. "All it took was my wedding ring — sorry babe the ocean let me have this one — hopefully you will be as kind."

"Very luck there mate," Fanning writes in the comments, while Warren Kramer, surgeon to the surf stars, adds: "Imagine what would happen to us mere mortals?"

Click play on the post above for the full look at Parko's close call. It's a great reminder why you shouldn't ever follow Parko way up the point.

But we can't help but wonder: How many people will be looking for Parko's wedding ring behind the rocks when the swell settles down? We're sure the champ will be over the moon if someone finds and returns it.

Calling all Gold Coast groms!

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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