SURFING’S BIG TESTS
AS the world implodes over coronavirus, surf on the points has gained prominent international coverage as big crowds charged the Tropical Cyclone Gretel swell, keeping their surfing spirits alive and well.
According to seasoned global surfing photographer Simon “Swilly” Williams, it was a huge week of waves.
“It was odd with all this virus COVID-19 going on, yet there were more than 500 humans from Snapper to Kirra,” he said.
Of course, this raises the question: Are surfers and beachgoers in denial of social distancing and self-isolating with packed carparks and high-fiving after scoring best waves so far of the year.
If Bondi Beach is any an example, will the State Government be forced to shut the beaches and therefore deny access to surfers.
Already the Queensland Government has shut the border from midnight tonight.
That means surfers from Queensland will not be able to surf Dbah on the NSW side of the border unless they paddle in from Snapper.
Likewise, surfers from the Tweed Coast will not be able to surf Gold Coast breaks.
How would this be enforced short of bringing in the army?
As mentioned in last week’s column, these are uncertain times and until we can contain COVID-19, anything is possible.
Even sharing surfboard wax is now seen as spreading the contagion.
Surfers are healthy and fit individuals but appear to be in denial of what has turned out to be our greatest threat to health and wellbeing.
It’s now time to take serious note of the warnings and follow the health advice that concerns all of us.
Thanks to Surfing Queensland, here’s some handy health tips.
■COVID-19 or not, do not share wetsuits, rashies, drinks, towels, wax, sunscreen with others.
Place hand sanitisers around changerooms and encourage the use of them.
Ensure all member facilities are maintained and cleaned to a high standard with appropriate cleaning agents. Consider more regular cleaning of facilities.
■Limit physical contact such as avoiding shaking hands, pre- or post-event. Please take care and stay healthy.
On the bright side Williams said the sand had stayed in place at Snapper despite last week’s swell.
“It’s so good to see the sand hold in as with most TC swell it invariably washes away,” he said.
Courtesy of TC Gretel it stayed further out to sea to produce a solid groundswell that lasted all week.
It arrived on Monday and continued to build on Wednesday as the period span lengthened, allowing for an unexpected pulse on Thursday before peaking on Friday.
Standouts included Mick Fanning, Mikey Wright, Nick Vasicek, Sheldon Simkus and Mitch Crews.
As a professional photographer for 30 years, Swilly has travelled to all the dream locations, but some of his best pics are right here from the Goldy.
You can check out his stunning work at his website – swilly.com.au – or on Instagram via swillpics.
SURFERS ARE HEALTHY AND FIT INDIVIDUALS BUT APPEAR TO BE IN DENIAL OF WHAT HAS TURNED OUT TO BE OUR GREATEST THREAT TO HEALTH AND WELLBEING