Mick Fanning: Surf legend injured in Tropical Cyclone Alfred swell
World champion surfer Mick Fanning is bearing the scars of the cyclonic surf on the Gold Coast ahead of TC Alfred crossing the coastline. PICS, VIDEOS
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Tropical Cyclone Alfred is already delivering powerful punches in the surf, as Mick Fanning can testify.
The surfing legend, who knows better than most how to handle big waves, copped a couple of stitches in the throes of the waves.
Despite beaches being closed from Rainbow Beach to the southern beaches on the Gold Coast, hundreds of wave riders have been getting the most of surf which is up to 8ft, or nearly three metres, in some places.
Across the Sunshine Coast, according to Swellnet, waves of 6-8 feet are being reported, with some of the biggest in Noosa where surfers are literally lining up to get into the ocean.
A 16.92m wave was recorded off the Fraser Coast on Sunday morning, according to the Queensland Government’s wave monitor.
The wave hit at 11:30am, before being followed by another huge barrel, a 15.56m wave, at 11:30pm on Sunday night.
Sunshine Coast residents are being told to prepare for three to five metre waves.
The surf is expected to get far more dangerous as Alfred approaches with Swellnet predicting 15-18ft waves on the Gold Coast.
Fanning took to social media to share a picture of fresh stitches to his temple, proving just how powerful the waves were.
“Couple of stitches to go with a couple tubes,” he wrote.
“Good to go again.”
While Fanning might be prepared to get back out there, Surf Life Saving Queensland reminded residents that the beaches were closed for good reason.
SLSQ Chief Operations Officer Greg Cahill said this was not the time to go swimming, surfing, or even for a walk along the beach.
On the weekend, even one of the most experienced Sunshine Coast ski riders was flipped by the swell, well ahead of the cyclone.
“Over the weekend we had 66 rescues, which is 66 rescues too many especially when the beaches are closed,” Cahill said.
The impending cyclone has also sparked the cancellation of many outdoor events on the Gold Coast.
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Originally published as Mick Fanning: Surf legend injured in Tropical Cyclone Alfred swell
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