Big-wave surfers James and Tyler Hollmer-Cross to take on Shipstern Bluff in Cape Fear comp

Local big-wave chasers James and Tyler Hollmer-Cross are confident team Tasmania will have the upper hand over international surfers at this year’s Cape Fear competition.

LOCAL big-wave chasers James and Tyler Hollmer-Cross are confident team Tasmania will have the upper hand over key Australian and international professional surfers at this year’s Cape Fear competition.

Previously held at Sydney’s Cape Solander, the invitation-only big-wave surfing competition will on Monday bring 20 of the best thrillseeking slab surfers to Shipstern Bluff on the Tasman Peninsula.

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The Hollmer-Cross brothers are two of 10 Tasmanian surfers who will go head to head with the likes of three-time world champion Mick Fanning and 2016 Cape Fear winner Russell Bierke.

Shipstern Bluff has one of the most difficult stepped waves in the world, measuring up to 20 feet in height.

Tyler, 33, of Dodges Ferry, yesterday described the adrenaline rush that came with hitting the water at Shipstern Bluff as “seriously addictive”.

“The locals have surfed hundreds of hours out there for about 15 years, so I think that gives us a more competitive edge and boosts our odds of winning but it will come down to mother nature and who gets the best waves,” he said.

Brothers and big wave surfers James and Tyler Hollmer-Cross are ready for the Red Bull Cape Fear at Shipstern Bluff. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Five surfers will compete in four heats with the winner of each round progressing to the final. The highest placed surfer at the end of the final will be crowned the champion.

James, 37, of Park Beach, said he was looking forward to the psychological and physical challenge.

“It’s one of the heaviest waves in the world and it takes a fair bit of courage, knowledge and skill to get to the point of the wave where you want to be,” he said.

“If successful, the feeling of fulfilment is really special.

“Anyone could win on the day but it’s a very unique place and the local guys have been surfing it for a long time.”

When asked about going up against Tyler, James said he was looking forward to some healthy rivalry but would be rooting for his best mate and brother.

The event site for the Cape Fear competition will be closed to spectators. However, anyone wanting to watch the white-knuckle performances can view the entire competition live and free online at www.redbull.tv/capefear