Photos: Cyclone Swell Bombards Australia's Glittering Gold Coast

The Easterly direction swells are ideal, hitting most point breaks, producing solid four-to-six-foot waves, with select locations significantly larger on the peak of the pulses. The most severe was Tropical Cyclone Maila, which reached Category 5 strength, impacting the far northern tip of Queensland before crossing into the Northern Territory, then reforming off northwest Australia and virtually circumnavigating the continent. In doing so, it crossed coastlines in largely unpopulated regions, where crocodiles are arguably the only local surfers. But it was not responsible for producing surf in inhabited regions.

On the Gold Coast, beach breaks and points have been running at capacity, coinciding with the school holidays on the back of the Easter break. Despite the crowds, the sheer volume of waves on offer has meant that scoring barrels has not been difficult for those with the skill and patience. Barrel riding has been the “plat du jour” on the points—satisfying the appetite of anyone can make the late sand dredging drops. And there is no shortage of talent in this department; the real question is simply how many others will be sharing the same perfect, grinding pit when you are comfortably slotted.

It would be safe to say that Snapper Rocks, down through Coolangatta, is among the most densely populated stretches of surfing real estate on the planet. It is not unusual to see several hundred frothing souls in the lineup before sunrise on any given swell. Safe to say not a lot of employers are too stoked about the consistent nature of the swell.