Shipsterns is never a sure thing. You can burn days, flights and fuel chasing a forecast that fizzles. But every now and then the stars align. Tim Bonython has spent decades documenting the world’s heaviest waves, and this was one of those days that reminded him why the gamble is always worth it.
After a string of disappointing swell chases, this one finally came together.
Nothing huge, but with clean offshore winds, plenty of waves and crystal-clear winter light, it was more than worth the trip. For the second time in a row I rolled the dice on a Shipsterns forecast, and this time it paid off. On paper it looked promising, although the swell was downgraded slightly each day leading into Friday. Apparently the day before was even bigger, but my plans were already locked in.
The alarm went off at 5am to meet boatman Simon ‘Willie’ Nelson at 6am sharp. The tide was extremely low, and getting the Shark Cat in and out was a mission, but with some great driving we made it through unscathed.
Arriving early in the lineup proved to be the best decision of the day. The sunrise was breathtaking, lighting up the towering cliffs of Shipstern Bluff like something you’d see in Fiji. My camera was rolling from the moment we arrived, capturing every wave and every moment.
As the morning unfolded, the action steadily built. Lennox Head surfer Jai Glindeman, Hawaiian charger Eli Olsen on his first visit to Shippies, locals Tyler Hollmer-Cross and James McKean, along with bodyboarder Sam Thomas, all put on an incredible performance in the icy 11°C water.
One moment nearly became unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. I asked Simon to edge the boat closer to the bowl for a better angle when a solid 12–15-foot set suddenly appeared from the south, heading straight for us. Simon threw the Shark Cat into overdrive, just managing to outrun the breaking wave. The impact launched everyone into the air before we crashed back down in a tangled heap on the deck. For a few seconds we lay there checking everyone was okay… before bursting into relieved laughter.
From there, the day only got better. It was one of those rare bluebird winter sessions at one of the most spectacular waves on the planet. Every barrel, every wipeout and every highlight was captured—except, of course, our own “wave of the day” during the boat escape. – Tim Bonython
