Not turning from tests

BIG wave surfer Russell Bierke knows it’s probably best he has little memory of a 2017 shocking wipeout that left him floating unconscious in the water before being rescued by fellow surfers, including American legend Kelly Slater.

It’s why the 21-year-old from the NSW South Coast, one of only two Australians on the men’s WSL Big Wave tour, could yet tackle the infamous Portuguese hot spot of Nazare,

It’s why this week he has flown to Praia do Norte in Portugal, where the Big Wave Tour could kick off this summer. AUSTRALIA’S best stand up paddle boarders will congregate on the Gold Coast from today until Tuesday for the four-day Australian SUP Titles.

The event includes SUP surfing divisions as well as several other disciplines competing. Light southerly winds and a 2ft (0.6m) southeast swell will greet competitors. The event will see 25 national champions crowned across divisions including SUP surfing, technical racing and marathon racing.

Defending champions NSW will be looking to go back-to-back after winning the overall victory last year, followed by Queensland.

“We’re incredibly excited to be hosting the Australian SUP Titles on the Gold Coast again this year,” Surfing Queensland CEO Adam Yates said. “We’re going to see Australia’s best stand up paddleboarders tearing apart the surf ... so we encourage our residents of the Gold Coast to come and check out the action.”