Massive swells smash Gold and Sunshine coasts in summer’s final fling

BIG Wednesday has been bumped by Super Saturday as massive swells smashed the coast yesterday in summer’s final fling.

Crowds flock to surf in Noosa as the swell from ex Tropical cyclone Winston hits the Sunshine Coast. Photo Lachie Millard

BIG Wednesday has been bumped by Super Saturday as massive swells smashed the coast yesterday in summer’s final fling.

On the Gold Coast, waves measuring more than 2m pounded point breaks from Snapper Rocks to Burleigh, forcing the closure of every beach in the city for a second day.

Beaches are expected to be closed again today before reopening for the final day of summer tomorrow.

Surfers enjoy the massive waves at Currumbin, with a bit of help from a jet ski. PIC: Adam Head

Former world champion Mark Occhilupo and son Jay were among the hordes carving it up at Snapper as hundreds watched from the beach and surrounding hillsides.

Kirra was the pick of the bunch though, with the famous beach churning out perfectly peeling barrels for boardriders.

Surfers crowd the waves at Snapper Rocks. PIC: Adam Head

A German tourist inexplicably decided to brave the huge waves at Burleigh for her first attempt at surfing and had to be rescued by lifesavers.

She was one of three rescues at the popular beach for the afternoon but lifesavers were generally pleased with the behaviour of beachgoers.

Infrastructure in place for the Quiksilver Pro cops a pounding. PIC: Adam Head

While the surf was pumping, it was smaller than predicted and not as big as Friday.

Waves drenched the spectators at Snapper, where officials preparing for next month’s Quiksilver Pro battened down the hatches to protect the Surf City infrastructure installed on the beach.

A surfer take advantage of the swell at Alexandra Headland. Photo Lachie Millard

Conditions on the Sunshine Coast, including at Alexandra Headland, started bad and got worse, forcing the closure of all beaches, including Noosa.

A beachgoer takes in the conditions at Mooloolaba. PIC: Lachie Millard

Surf lifesavers rescued a number of swimmers caught in rips as well as boardriders in trouble, with some suspected spinal injuries and one dislocated shoulder.

Huge 3m swell plus strong winds created choppy conditions on the open beaches, particularly Coolum, Peregian and Dicky beaches.

Originally published as Massive swells smash Gold and Sunshine coasts in summer’s final fling