Pro Surfer Pinned on Bottom at Nightmare Wave (Video)
Shipstern Bluff is one of the world’s most terrifying waves.
When it’s on, the Tasmanian surf spot – if you can even call it that – is a mutant, hulking, freak of nature wall of water with numerous, airdropping steps in the face.
It is, of course, not for the faint of heart.
And yet, it’s one of the most entertaining waves to watch. Surfers, either towing or paddling, hurl themselves over the ledge, disengage from the water as they freefall over the ribs, attempt to avoid a wipeout, and hold on for dear life into the channel.
Perhaps even pull into a tube...if they're lucky.
In other words, it’s perfect for surfing’s foremost slab slayer, Nathan Florence.
Related: Freak Rip Currents Trap Pro Surfers in Hawaii (Video)
But even Nate has trouble navigating Shippies. Like during a recent session in which the Tasmanian devil came to life. During that same run of swell, a who’s-who heavy water hellions – including Laura Enever, Kipp Caddy, Laurie Towner, Torren Martyn, Soli Bailey, Marti Paradisis, Tyler Holmer-Cross, and Mark Matthews – went full send.
As for Nate, during his session, he had the place nearly to himself. And he had some serious wipeouts during his bout with the beast. A few of which held him under, pinning him to the bottom, and almost led to two-wave hold-downs. Nate explained:
“Pretty much three-for-three out of four wipeouts. All solid beatdowns. It’s perfect offshore conditions. Just having one of those days. Can’t seem to freaking make a wave. It’s so stepped out right now. Hopefully I can make a few.
“I don’t wanna keep falling. These beatdowns are severe. I’m running along the bottom. Like, nearly two-wave hold-downs. I don’t wanna keep doing that.”
Just another day on the Slab Tour.
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