Watch: Nathan Florence’s First Crack at Pumping Ours

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 7:22 PM ET

Exactly one week ago, the surf around Sydney and much of New South Wales, Australia, was off its rocker. Lineups from Narrabeen to Wollongong went XXL. Hell, even Bondi showed proper 20-foot teeth.

Outer reef bommies near the suburbs woke up while other beaches were practically unsurfable. There was one place, however, that caught a lot of attention. Cape Solander, also known as Ours, went off during this swell, and a whole flock of crew got on it, Nathan Florence included. This wave has a serious reputation as one of the heaviest waves in Australia, yet its access is surprisingly central — it’s a 45-minute drive from the cape to Sydney’s international airport.

But proximity to civilization does not equate to ease. Wave difficulty aside, good luck sneaking past the local crew of surfers and bodyboarders who hold this place down. Thanks to Mahina Florence on the cam, we get to see that even for this crew, the cape is no joke. I didn’t count the ratio, but it felt like for every make, there were at least five he’s-probably-hurt slams. Lurching, steep, a stone's throw from large, immovable stones. Even the drones collide (see 6:59).

Highlights include: Nathan picks off a couple of bombs with an assist from the ski (he paddles a nug at 17:09), a bodyboarder performs an epic and dangerous frontslip (15:36), and “Mad Max” McGuigan riding his backside keg straight to the Mad Hueys ski for a shoey of beer. When standing tall on a slab like this, maybe it’s best to be a bit mad.

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

More must-reads: