Grant Kenny saves ski paddler smashed by Tropical Cyclone Alfred swell
The moment a surf ski paddler was smashed by a wave and rescued by none other than Grant Kenny has been captured as TC Alfred continues to whip up powerful swells on the Sunshine Coast. VIDEO, PHOTOS.
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The incredible moment a surf skier was smashed by a wave before iconic ironman Grant Kenny came to the rescue has been captured.
It comes as a monster swell fuelled by Tropical Cyclone Alfred drew thrill seekers to the beach at Mooloolaba on Saturday and the Bureau of Meteorology warned the southeast could be in the firing line in coming days.
At one point a ski paddler could be seen catching the wave well only to be overpowered and getting into trouble, trying to fight the current as the ski went the opposite way.
Mr Kenny, who is regularly seen paddling at the beach and was out the back behind the waves, jumped into action and helped the man.
Meanwhile further south, all eyes were on the Caloundra Power Boat Club which was at risk of being swamped.
However, while the morning tide edged close to the building about 8am and debris was strewn across the sand in its wake, there was no damage as of Saturday afternoon.
Earlier in the week TC Alfred had already whipped up some powerful swells with swimmers and board riders crunched in dumping waves on Wednesday and Thursday.
Board riders were lasting just seconds in the waves at Mooloolaba before being hurled into the whitewash.
Mooloolaba can be notorious for dumping waves on low tides with more than its share of devastating spinal injuries over the years.
Lifeguards on Thursday were pleading with swimmers to stay at waist depth only with flash rips and powerful wave surges.
But young board riders were not phased by the dumpers, throwing themselves at the mercy of the ocean as beachgoers watched on.
Further out, another set of waves was giving members of local surf lifesaving surfboat crews a good test of their skills.
There have also been some surfers being towed out with jetskis onto the waves, while others on hydrofoils float above them.
The weather bureau has warned of large and powerful easterly swell and abnormally high tides into the weekend.
Qld surf hotspots emerge as cyclone whips up once-in-a-lifetime swell
From Rainbow Beach to the Sunshine Coast and down to the Gold Coast, experts have revealed the SEQ surf hotspots to benefit from the cyclone swell predicted to hit this week.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred was earlier tipped to have a high probability of crossing one of the most highly populated stretches of the Queensland coast by early next week but that is unlikely now.
Surf’s Up: Monster swells hammer the Sunshine Coast
Advanced surfers across the southeast Queensland coastline are set to reap the benefits of the cyclone before its predicted to hit hard.
Sunshine Coast XL Surf Academy manager of three years Bodi Lowrie, 30, of Wurtulla, said it was going to be an exciting week of swells.
Mr Lowrie, who has been surfing on the Sunshine Coast for more than 25 years, has been a surf coach at Alexandra Headland for five years.
Surf watch around the Sunshine Coast
“You can see the swell increasing today there’s a lot more wind and energy in the water,” he said.
“In the water you can feel the power increasing.
“We’ve been watching the forecast and you can definitely see the system moving closer.”
Big surf pounds the Sunshine Coast
He said it would prove an exciting opportunity for advanced surfers.
“If you’re advanced and know what you’re doing the points will be absolutely amazing the next couple of days,” Mr Lowrie said.
“Especially at Noosa and Double Island. They would be as good as it ever gets.
“For the advanced surfers looking to score waves it is possibly the biggest swell we’re going to see in a long time.
“The best spots would be Double Island Point, Noosa, Snapper Rocks, Byron Bay, Currumbin, Lennox heads, the Pass, and maybe Agnes Water.
“At Agnes Water it would be pretty good but could also be too close to where the system is and the wind might be too strong.”
Mr Lowrie said it was particularly exciting for Sunshine Coast surfers.
“The Sunshine Coast isn’t exactly known for its powerful surf so we’ve got to make the most of it and go enjoy it,” he said.
“It’s definitely exciting just need to find time for the boss to let me go enjoy it.
“When I was growing up the surf season here was end of March through to June or July. I remember swells coming mostly in May. Then more recently February and early March have been the best.”
Big surf continues to pound Sunshine Coast beaches
Mr Lowrie said based on current predictions the good surf would only last till the weekend.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the beaches would all be closed from Sunday through to Tuesday,” he said.
“By then it will be too big and dangerous if it keeps going this way. All of the open beaches especially where the currents will be too strong.
“Lifeguards will probably close the beaches. Unless the forecast changes but that’s how it’s looking today.”
The keen surfer said he wanted to remind inexperienced surfers and swimmers to stay safe.
“There needs to be more emphasis on beach safety,” he said.
“Over summer time people flood in and just have no idea about the beaches.
“Best to stay safe and swim where the life guards are.”
Across the Sunshine Coast Wednesday morning beachgoers were considering their safety in the surf as waves grow larger.
Noel, who was visiting Coolum Beach from Brisbane with his wife said it looked “very rough” out in the surf.
“We probably won’t be going swimming at all,” he said.
A Surf Life Saving Queensland spokeswoman on Tuesday said there were no official warnings for the coast.
“Surf Life Saving Queensland is in ongoing contact with the Bureau of Meteorology and monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” she said.
“At this time there is no direct impact on coastal Queensland and we encourage beachgoers to adhere to lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers instructions as per normal when swimming at the beach. Always swim between the red and yellow flags and be aware of the current conditions.
“SLSQ will provide further information in relation to any requirements for beach closures, condition warnings and stinger net removals when the appropriate.”
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Originally published as Grant Kenny saves ski paddler smashed by Tropical Cyclone Alfred swell
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