After a week in Sydney visiting a sick Mum in hospital I was excited about getting back to my home beach today. First impressions on checking out the break were hopeful rather than encouraging. Two to three foot looked fine after the dead flat I had left a week-ago. The howling off-shore, on the other hand, promised to make paddling hell. The day itself was dark, cold and … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2017
Death Wish at Fairy Bower
Fairy Bower - sissy by name, gnarly by nature Once in a blue moon the surf on Sydney’s northern beaches gets so big that it is virtually impossible to go surfing. Just about the last rideable spot on a huge day is the point break near Manly incongruously known as Fairy Bower. If the swell gets up and over eighteen or twenty feet, as a general rule, “The Bower” is the only … [Read more...]
What is a “long snapper?”
Some might think that “long snapper” is a fishing term. “Long snapper” could refer to an especially lengthy specimen of a species of fish popular with Australian sports fishermen and fisherwomen that is known for its tastiness and fighting abilities. Snapper are caught at off-shore reefs, in estuaries, in bays or in open water and are characterized by their silver and red … [Read more...]
Awesome prize for comments – “cossies versus boardies” story
It couldn't get much easier than this to win an amazing prize. Just read our "cossies versus boardies road test" story back on the Main Page and send your vote and/or comments? Are you a cossie or a board short fan? Which do you prefer? Which pictures did you like best, and why? Any and all comments are welcome. All votes/comments will be considered and the funniest, silliest, … [Read more...]
The things that made me… Clare Polkinghorne
The statistics, awards, selections, accolades, medals and achievements speak for themselves. Clare Polkinghorne, a tenacious, tough and effective defender for both Australia (Matildas) and Brisbane Roar (W-League), has played 26 internationals and over one-hundred W-League games. She is Captain of both the national team and her club team the Roar (where she has been club … [Read more...]