Shipsterns Bluff is one of the heaviest slabs on the planet—and one of the defining waves of Russell Bierke’s career.
Episode 2 of Watermarks follows Russell and tow partner Zada into a monster session at Shipsterns Bluff, breaking down the wave’s infamous ledge, its warped, stepped bottom, and what it takes to ride it when the swell hits another gear. Along the way, Russell reflects on the wave’s evolution, from the fearless paddle pioneers to the modern tow era he now calls home.
Watermarks is an ongoing series exploring the waves that have shaped Russell Bierke’s career.
Welcome to the annual Slamarack Soft Top Surf Event, where hundreds of surfers trade performance boards for foamies and absolute mayhem.
No commentary. No fluff. Just raw, uncut action: endless waves, sketchy drops, brutal wipeouts, near misses, and the kind of lineup chaos that somehow keeps everyone coming back for more.
If you've ever wondered what happens when hundreds of surfers all decide to drop in at once, here's your answer.
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
Victor Bernardo surfs with a rare mix of precision and spontaneity. Every section looks like an invitation rather than an obstacle, whether he's threading a tube, blowing out the fins on a lazy shoulder or finding speed where most surfers stall. Silky smooth with a touch of flair, proof that some of the best surfing still comes from trusting instinct over choreography.
With no previous cycling experience, Johanna Brebner sets out to bike the length of her childhood home, Aotearoa New Zealand, with a surfboard in tow. Returning after a decade away, she packs her life onto a bike and travels more than 2,000 kilometres across the country in search of reconnection and a few waves along the way.
Produced by needessentials, Spaces in Between is a feature documentary that follows Johanna on a surfing and cycling journey across Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a portrait of slow travel: of challenge, endurance, new friendships, and the exhilaration of landscape. Beyond the pursuit of waves, the film explores what it means to experience a place over time, revealing the stories, connections, and moments that emerge in the spaces in between.
Executive Producer: Ryan Scanlon Cinematography: Milo Inglis & Cameron Haylock Additional Footage: Ishka Folkwell, Johanna Brebner, Heath Scanlon, Hahnee Chelkowski, Joseph Elijah Daniel & Clementine Bourke
Jonathan Gubbins has spent years quietly building a reputation as one of surfing's most committed tube hunters. The Peruvian free surfer has logged countless sessions in some of the world's heaviest line-ups, always with the same objective: find the deepest barrel possible.
Never one to chase contest jerseys, Gubbins has built his career around world-class waves, earning respect through technical precision, and unwavering commitment. His relentless pursuit of perfect tubes has cemented his place among the most respected barrel riders in modern surfing.Â
Hit play to watch Jonathan, Usman Trioko, Sule and Pablo Mr Desert Point get shacked off their minds.
