Cold water, heavy slabs and a few proper beatings. Sol Bailey breaks a wild session at one of Europes heaviest slabs – “Late drops, some good ones and a few that got the better of us. Freezing, raw and as unpredictable as it gets. Good crew, good laughs, good Guiness and some waves worth the mission.”
A surfer has escaped without injury after a frightening shark attack at an Australian beach. Helluva story to pass down the generations, thankfully no one was harmed.
Photo: @jamesonsurfboards_
Tweed Shire Council posted the following on their socials below.
At approximately 7.30am today, Surf Life Saving NSW was notified, via a 000 call, of an incident at Norries Headland, Cabarita Beach where a local surfer had a huge chunk bitten out of his surfboard. Lifesavers responded immediately. Drone monitoring was launched soon after and has continued throughout the day. Cabarita Beach has been closed since then as a precaution, while all other Tweed Coast beaches remain open and are being actively monitored.
A 5 metre White shark was caught and released from the SMART Drumline at Norries Headland, Cabarita Beach today at 9.52am and the shark was also spotted by Dorsal Shark Reports just after noon.
Last month, NSW Fisheries presented an update to Tweed Shire Council about their Shark Management Program and at that meeting, Mayor Chris Cherry asked if there were opportunities for additional drone surveillance in our shire - a call we have repeated today.
Tweed Shire Council is seeking additional funding from the NSW Government to support extended drone patrols beyond peak holiday periods. These patrols are a vital part of the NSW Shark Management Program, which also includes SMART drumlines and listening stations along the coast. Together, these measures allow for real-time alerts through the SharkSmart app, website and social media, helping to keep swimmers and surfers safe.
Dave Rope from Surf Lifesaving Far North Coast described the surfer as “very, very lucky” and urged caution. Surf Life Saving NSW is asking the public to follow the direction of lifesavers and lifeguards and avoid entering the water at Cabarita Beach until further notice.
Beachgoers are reminded to:
• Swim between the flags and obey lifesaver instructions
• Avoid entering the water when fish are schooling or seabirds are feeding
• Check the SharkSmart app before heading out
Council will continue working with Surf Life Saving NSW and NSW Fisheries to support these important safety measures for our community - and while we know that the surfer is 'rattled', we're very pleased that he got out of the water safely today.
You’ve seen the carnage of Day One… now welcome back to Teahupoo, where the slab of slabs refuses to let up. Day Two dawned with the reef still alive, the swell still massive — only now the conditions were cleaner, sharper, and more perfect than ever.
Local Teahupoo prince Matahi Drollet put on a masterclass, towing into mutant bombs alongside powerhouse Lucas Chumbo, with a stacked crew of Tahitian chargers — Kauli Vaast, Lorenzo Mateia Hiquily, and Gilbert Teave — pushing deeper and faster into the pit.
The world’s best weren’t sitting on the sidelines either. On the eve of the WSL comp, Griffin & Crosby Colapinto, Leonardo Fioravanti, Seth Moniz and Italo Ferreira all tested themselves against the beast. The Hawaiians were out in force too — Koa Rothman, Eli Olson, Kala Grace, Barron_Mamiya and Tiger Doerner — all locking into giant, heaving caverns.
And just when the tow frenzy peaked, the paddlers struck back. Rising talent Jacob Turner led the charge, proving the future at Teahupoo is just as fearless as the present.
On the ground, we hear from legendary lensmen Ben Thouard and Ted Grambeau, and straight from the source: a battered Matahi Drollet, with his brother Manoa recounting the day’s wildest moments.
As Tahitian icon Vetea David put it best: “Having seen and surfed out there for 30 years, that was in the top 10 days — some of the biggest XXL swells ever at Teahupoo.”
This is Liquid Thunder: Part 2 — Teahupoo at its most perfect, most dangerous, and most unforgettable. Enjoy. Tim Bonython
July 2025 brought magical days to Desert Point, in Lombok, Indonesia. Endless barrels, smooth walls, and the surgical precision of those who know every inch of this legendary break. In this video, produced with images and editing by Alexandre Ribas, you'll see the best waves surfed that month—a true spectacle of nature and high-level surfing.
Molly Picklum and Jack Robinson Win 2025 Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA at Teahupo’o
Australians Molly Picklum (AUS) and Jack Robinson (AUS) have claimed victory at the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA, Stop No. 11 of 12 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT) and the last event of the regular season. It was another incredible day of competition at the ‘End of The Road’ with the men’s Final 5 being locked away, Rookies of the Year decided, and event winners crowned in pumping six-to-eight-foot-plus tubes at Teahupo’o, one of the world’s heaviest waves.
Molly Picklum Puts on a Show to Claim Maiden Tahiti Win
Picklum claimed victory in a highly anticipated match-up against reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA), after defeating two former event winners on the way to the Final, Vahine Fierro (FRA) and Caroline Marks (USA). Pickum’s second CT event win of the season, her fourth overall, extended the 22-year-old’s stranglehold of the No. 1 position in the rankings. After sitting behind Simmers and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) for the first two-thirds of the season, the Australian leapfrogged both surfers to take a convincing lead following her event win in Brazil, which she further strengthened with a runner-up finish in South Africa and has now run away with thanks to her performance today. The only woman of the current Final 5 with prior WSL Finals experience not to win a World Title, Picklum is carrying serious momentum headed into the event that could see her join the iconic Australian legacy of World Champions.
"I'm so stoked," Picklum said. "What a special place, Tahiti. You feel all the energy. It's just so nice. I'm staring at the mountains right now and staring into perfect blue. It's where the dream comes alive. And Fiji next. I'm gonna enjoy it for what it is. I finished number one this year. It's a massive step in the right direction. Hopefully I can get that, you know, cherry again in Fiji."
The scores of the women’s Final told of an entirely one-sided affair, with Simmers earning just 4.94 (out of a possible 20) from her two-wave total, while Picklum posted one of the highest totals of the season at 17.26. But the final tally doesn't account for the near misses of the reigning World Champion. The Californian came close to emerging from what undoubtedly would have been the highest number of the event, but ultimately it was the Australian who was in complete rhythm with the ocean, delivering a trio of excellent scores. Picklum drove through barrel after barrel on some of the biggest waves of the day to seal victory on an event that she had already convincingly stamped her mark on throughout the week.
"Honestly, it was so nice to just make a couple of waves and not get so flogged," Picklum continued. "I felt like I earned my stripes this event, and I'm so happy. I wish Caity [Simmers] had obviously made one. It would have made it more exciting. The poor girl was so buggered at the end there. But, I've been on that side of the stick, and I'm so happy to get another one up."
Jack Robinson Comes From The Sky to Book Spot at Lexus WSL Finals
It was a fairytale finish for Jack Robinson (AUS), who claimed not only the event win, but a place in the Final 5 to contest for the 2025 World Title when the Lexus WSL Finals takes place in Fiji later this month. In a repeat of his trajectory in 2023, when he also needed to win the event to clinch his position in the Final 5, Robinson joined an elite list of multiple-time winners in Tahiti, including a surfer he was directly seeking to channel, Andy Irons (HAW), as well as Kelly Slater (USA), Bobby Martinez (USA), and Gabriel Medina (BRA). Robinson’s ninth CT event win also ties him on the all-time win list with two Hawaiian World Champions, Sunny Garcia (HAW) and John John Florence (HAW). Robinson jumped four places up the rankings, all the way to No. 4, bumping fellow Australian Ethan Ewing (AUS) out of the Final 5.
"Right where we're meant to be," Robinson said. "I just want to thank everyone who supports me. All love, you know. I'm just taking it in right now. I had a mission and I went for it. Very blessed to be going to Fiji. It comes down to the last one and right there again. Let's go."
Robinson shared the Final with good friend and rival Griffin Colapinto (USA), who also jumped into the Final 5 with his performance today. Robinson repeatedly cracked into the excellent range to defeat newly crowned Rookie of the Year Marco Mignot (FRA), defending event winner Italo Ferreira (BRA), and Colapinto’s brother, Crosby Colapinto (USA), including delivering the event-high heat total of 18.10 against Crosby. The Australian’s quiet and calm approach saw him thread deep, technical tubes throughout the course of the day, highlighted by a 9.50 as one of just two waves the 27-year-old surfed in the Final. While Colapinto found excellence of his own, with an 8.00, the Californian was unable to tap into the magic that saw him defeat Joao Chianca (BRA), Ethan Ewing (AUS) and local Wildcard Mihimana Braye (PYF) on his road to the Final.
“To be in the Final with Griffin [Colapinto], I kind of felt like we were coming together,” Robinson said. “We've been seeing each other every day because we go to the same chiro and stuff. And when we were together, I was like, 'Oh, I just kind of feel it.' So yeah, I was so blessed to have everyone there. What a day.”
Californians Simmers and Colapinto Lock In No. 3 Seeds Ahead of Fiji
Reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) was an absolute standout all event, riding some of the longest, deepest tubes of the week with superior technique and style. Simmers’ second Final appearance in Tahiti was enough to guarantee her seed No. 3 in the WSL Final 5 and gave her the perfect warm-up for the long, hollow, reef pass barrels of Cloudbreak, the location of the upcoming Lexus WSL Finals. Simmers will head to Fiji later this month to defend her World Title.
"I'm kind of confused right now. I was underwater for most of that Final, so I'm pretty tired," Simmers joked. "But yeah, I mean, Molly [Picklum] and I, we're just friends, she gives me advice on more than just surfing, and it's good to have someone like that. And also in Finals like that, and just all of our heats in general, we kind of tend to surf better, I feel like, when we're together. I was talking the other day about having to surf here when it's good, you kind of have to be a little bit stupid and also be calculated, too, and the balance of that. I feel like I was just stupid and she was calculated. So that was kind of how it went. Molly ripped that one, and I had fun, too. I got some good visions and also some good wipeouts and everything you want out here, I guess, except to win."
After an incredible week of performances both in the jersey and out of it, eventual event runner-up Griffin Colapinto (USA) was able to move three places up the rankings into the third spot in the WSL Final 5 ahead of the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji. It will be the third-consecutive year Colapinto will compete for a World Title in this format, and with three runner-up finishes and two thirds from his last five events, Colapinto is coming into the Title showdown with more momentum than any of the men on Tour.
"I'm just super, super grateful," Colapinto said. "I've put in so much preparation and hard work over the years. It's my eighth year coming to Tahiti and competing in this contest, and this is my first time making Finals Day. With everything on the line, it's a big hump to get over. It just felt like this time it shifted, like I'd felt the click-over and the comfort was setting in, and the number of times I've taken beatings at this wave. And then starting to actually make crazy barrels started to feel really good. I think all that preparation just showed on this day, so I'm super grateful."
Yago Dora Leads Rankings Ahead of Lexus WSL Finals Fiji
Day 3 of competition at the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA saw World No. 1 Yago Dora (BRA) and World No. 2 Jordy Smith (RSA) both eliminated by Tahitian Wildcards Kauli Vaast (FRA) and Mihimana Braye (PYF), respectively. Though both surfers bowed out in the Round of 16, Dora’s lead was insurmountable by anyone else in the field, keeping his spot on top of the rankings safe. Dora will now head into the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji as the No. 1 seed, meaning the 29-year-old Brazilian is one heat win away from becoming the 2025 WSL World Champion. Smith was also able to hang onto his No. 2 spot heading into the Final event.
“My main goal in Tahtiti has been fulfilled,” Dora said. “One more step in the right direction. I really wish I could have gone further in this event that I love so much. But I believe that everything happens for a reason. Now it’s time to focus all the energy on the final stage.”
2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) was unstoppable at the start of the season, wearing the Yellow Leader Jersey through to the halfway point of the year, before struggling to find form in the second half of the year. Coming into Tahiti as the reigning event winner, Ferreira was able to do enough to finish with an equal fifth-place finish and hang onto the fifth and final seed spot in the WSL Final 5.
"I'm so stoked to make this happen," Ferreira said. "I started the year so good, so well. And then I had a break between those results and the last couple of events. But I feel so glad. I just want to thank God for the opportunity to live this moment and to live this dream. It's special."
The advancement of both Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Ethan Ewing (AUS) into the Quarterfinals knocked Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) out of contention for the Final 5. Ewing held a position in the five, right up until Jack Robinson (AUS) claimed the event win, leaving the official Final 5 to include Dora, Smith, Colapinto, Robinson and Ferreira.
Erin Brooks and Marco Mignot Claim 2025 Rookie of The Year Honors
CT newcomers Erin Brooks (CAN) and Marco Mignot (FRA) have finished their maiden year at the elite level in style, claiming the 2025 WSL Championship Tour Rookie of the Year titles. With fellow Rookies Joel Vaughan (AUS) and Alan Cleland (MEX) bowing out before the end of the Round of 16, Mignot held onto No. 16 on the rankings to finish the year as the highest-ranked surfer of his rookie class. 18-year-old Brooks, who has already won a CT event as a wildcard, managed two Semifinal appearances this season to end the year at No. 8 on the rankings. The pair join an elite group of Rookie of the Year recipients, including WSL Champions Caity Simmers (USA), Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Carissa Moore (HAW), and Italo Ferreira (BRA).
“I’m super happy to get Rookie of the Year,” Mignot said. “It’s been an amazing battle between Al [Cleland], Joel [Vaughan], and me. We really went big, and I mean, we had no choice because on this tour, the level is so high, and we showed we can do it. In the end, it was between me and Alan, and I would have been happy either way, as he is a great friend of mine. It’s been a beautiful year with lots of learning. To win this was a goal that I wrote down at the start of the year, and I achieved it, so I’m super happy. Now it’s time to reset and bring on 2026.”
For highlights and more information from Finals Day at the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA Women’s Final Results:
1 - Molly Picklum (AUS) 17.26
2 - Caitlin Simmers (USA) 4.94
Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA Men’s Final Results:
1 - Jack Robinson (AUS) 16.90
2 - Griffin Colapinto (USA) 13.67
Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Jack Robinson (AUS) 18.10 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 11.66
HEAT 2: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.83 DEF. Mihimana Braye (PYF) 14.77
Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Crosby Colapinto (USA) 16.63 DEF. Kauli Vaast (FRA) 15.54
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.80 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.07
HEAT 3: Mihimana Braye (PYF) 14.93 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 11.50
HEAT 4: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 16.76 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.20
Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 15.43 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 3.33
HEAT 2: Crosby Colapinto (USA) 9.34 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 9.20
HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 11.33 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 1.94
HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) 11.67 DEF. Marco Mignot (FRA) 10.93
HEAT 5: Mihimana Braye (PYF) 10.77 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 7.33
HEAT 6: Cole Houshmand (USA) 10.67 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 5.53
HEAT 7: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 16.23 DEF. Alan Cleland (MEX) 14.16
HEAT 8: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 15.00 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 14.97
Next and Final Stop: Lexus WSL Finals Fiji
Tehilliah McGuinness is a legend. Fresh off of a gruelling week of interviewing the top surfers for SurfGirl and Carve last week at Boardmasters, we have discovered that Tee has helped train Julia Garner for her role as the Silver Surfer as well as supporting Julia as her body double through various surfing scenes (through the cosmos not in the ocean!) in the new Fantastic Four movie. We had a catch up with Tee to find out more…
Tee, you’re the surfing body double for the Silver Surfer in the Fantastic Four movie, what an amazing opportunity! Can you tell us more about it please?
Thank you so much! It still feels a little surreal to be honest! I have been working as a celebrity PT for over 10 years, which then led me to the amazing world of movies and working as a trainer on various productions. I got a call in August of last year about the production and the director Matt Shakman wanted Julia Garner who plays the Silver Surfer character to look and move as natural as possible for her scenes, so I was brought on to the production to work with her as her surf coach on various aspects of movement – which she was already amazing at. It was so incredible working with her she is such a talented and profesional actress. Seeing her become the Silver Surfer was really special.
Along with the surf / movement coach side of things I also had the pleasure of doubling for Julia, working with the CGI team on various motion capture in the studio. There are some really cool scenes of the Silver Surfer surfing through the cosmos and worm holes, while doing various surf manoeuvres. I love the fact that Matt really wanted the movements to be as realistic as possible and wanted to fine tune so much of the surfing to reflect what us surfers do in the sea. It was such a pleasure to work with Julia and the team to bring that to life. I really feel so honoured.
How did it come about and how did you manage to keep it so quiet?
I got a call in August of last year about the production and as they say the rest is history:) That sounded way too cool for school ha,ha… I WAS FREAKING OUT!!!! People have sent me messages since the release of the film saying “how on earth did you keep this a secret for so long?”. Ok, well first of all NDA’S ha,ha! But actually it’s pretty funny because its been nearly a year since I started filming and so much has happened since in terms of new productions and work that every now and again when I would feel stressed or overwhelmed about anything I would just smile to myself and remember those moments. It was like my little superpower.
What was it like being on the set, was it fun or intimidating?
I will never forget my first day on this production as this was the first day I stepped into the Imaginarium ( which is everything the name suggests and more).
Every single person made me feel so welcome and part of this amazing family. Starting new productions always feels like when you were a kid starting a new school. I didn't know what to expect but I could not have been more blessed with the team I got to work with and all the amazing and supportive people I met.
I definitely felt nervous, as this was a huge opportunity. I met Julia (Garner) shortly after I arrived on set on that first day and then it all kind of became a reality. Later that day I met the director Matt Shakman and it was amazing to hear more about his vision for the Silver Surfer character and what she embodies. I felt really connected to her personally.
As a fitness coach, you’re very fit, so what was your training for this like?
To be honest, at the time filming started I actually had three trips scheduled ( Italy, Canada and Norway) around the first batch of filming dates, which were all back-to-back and in the space of 1.5 months so I tried to do as much as I could on the road but I focused mainly on balance , strength and mobility training. The training I did with Julia was focusing mainly on technique , her stance and movements to help her feel more natural and comfortable, which I have to say she was incredible at! She really did her homework and is such a professional.
The body double work I did involved a lot of repetitive movements as there was a lot to capture in the studio and it was really amazing as I got to play around and see what different moves looked like / what worked and what didn't. I remember finishing a day of motion capture and I got back to the hotel and was like wow why do my legs feel as though I have done a really heavy training session. I didn't realise surfing the cosmos was that intense haha!
What were the cast like, did you meet many of them (Pedro!)?
The cast were all wonderful! There's always a bit of anticipation as to how the cast will be 'in real life' because you sort of build this idea of how you think they should be based on the different characters they play. Julia had a such a calming presence and you could tell she was in the zone on set but then she would just burst into character and perform some really emotional scenes and then a few moments later you would hear her bubbly laugh. She is just such an incredibly talented actress and even more than that a wonderful person. I saw the rest of the cast on set in passing and exchanged a few words with Pedro who is, is as you imagine, funny, cheeky and just felt like everyones friend 🙂 I only met Joseph, Vanessa and Ebon briefly but again, all wonderful people who make everyone feel welcome.
Did you go to the premiere and what was that like?
I went to the cast and crew screening in London last week and it was incredible! My mom and I spent the entire move squeezing each others hands and trying to break down in tears! It was so special to have her with me as she really is the reason behind everything. Always supporting me and encouraging me through every moment.Who knew all those years ago when she bought me my first surf board and the endless trips to the beach, filming me and travelling with me to all my competitions would lead to this!?
I know it sounds silly but you also really forget how many people are involved in these productions and seeing not only the incredible amount of crew at that specific screening time but also the credits, just makes me feel so honoured to have had a small part in something so special. It’s all very surreal and very special.
It was great to be able to catch up with a few of the crew I had built really special friendships with on set. When I joined filming, most of them had been working on this production for a very long time already and the days are long, yet every morning when I would pass them on the way to breakfast, set or the craft van ( heaven on earth) they would always stop and greet me with the biggest smiles and hugs. Such genuinely special people who are incredibly talented professionals. I hope I have the opportunity to work with them again in the future.
Are you pleased with the end result and your part in it?
I am so happy with how the film turned out. It flowed beautifully with all the excitement you would expect as well as a powerful message about sacrifice, unity and family. I am absolutely thrilled with my part in it and just think about the younger me that would not believe we got to do this!! We got to surf through the cosmos as a superhero!? Are you kidding me!
You’re a surf instructor, fitness coach, TV presenter and now a body double…what’s next?
Gosh, you tell me ha,ha! I would actually REALLY LOVE to do a bit of acting, believe it or not. I have always loved the idea of it and although I am actually a pretty shy person, I love idea of becoming another character. It’s like presenting, I still get shy ( which I know comes as a surprise when I tell people) but I love the feeling of stepping out of myself and into a story telling character. It’s like playing dress up as a kid. So ya, I would say acting would be something I would love to do but it would have to be something that the universe puts in my path, much like this movie.
