Surfing in Tasmania… From Nippers to Seriously BIG Waves!!

August 26th, 2010 |

Surfing in Tasmania. What are the Options?

Surfing in Tasmania… here’s a few points of interest. Living in Tasmania presents you with many an opportunity to go surfing. It’s an island. There’s lots of coastline!! So in practically any direction, you can travel to a beach with waves to challenge your ability to stand on a board while the ocean rocks and rolls beneath you.

Surf Life Saving: Basic Training

It might be fun, but be cautious. Swimming between the flags on a patrolled beach is one thing, but it’s still a great idea for kids to learn about keeping themselves safe. Big swells, rips and rocks can end in drama for the unsuspecting, so a little education is a very good investment. One place to get that surf training is at Clifton Beach in southern Tasmania.

Surf Life Saving clubs patrol some beaches in Tasmania

Surfing in Tasmania: Clifton Beach

The Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club is about 30kms south-east of the state capital, Hobart. Led by a dedicated band of volunteers, they practice and promote water safety awareness on Sunday mornings during the summer months.

Surf life saving instruction prepares for surfing in Tasmania

The kids paddle on boards and get tuition about swimming in the ocean environment. Combined with activities on the beach sand, the club members definitely get a good workout in terms of fitness. And judging by the smiles and general banter between the group on the day of my visit – they clearly enjoy the experience.

Surf Schools: Learn from the Experts

In a state like Tasmania where the waves are a-calling, you might like to get some tips from a surfing expert. There are numerous surf-schools based around the state, and they offer instruction to all ages and abilities. I don’t know if there’s any guarantees about getting you “shredding”, but they can supply wet suits and boards with a bit of advance notice.

Surfing in Tasmania - South Coast Surf School

Surfing in Tasmania at South Coast Surf School

Gift certificates for a surfing class are popular at Christmas, when the weather is at its warmest in Tassie. But I did mention wet suits, and you have to be prepared for the water to be cold. Tasmania is way south of the equator and a lot closer to the Antarctic, remember.

To contact the South Coast Surf School,
call Pat Fasnacht on (03) 6248 9895 or 0400 489 895

Surf Forecast: Make Your Own Way

Ok, so now you’ve had the lessons? Check the surf forecast, grab your surfboard and drive off to the beach that suits you! It always amazes me that the grapevine is so efficient for the surfing community. When the waves are on, the word goes out, and the dudes roll up. How cool is that?

Surfing in Tasmania at Clifton Beach, good for beginners

The internet site CoastView.com.au can give you more than just a surf forecast or weather report. They actually have web cameras posted at beaches around the island. I guess that’s handy if you have a day off. But torture if you’re stuck in the office, watching an awesome beach break on your computer!!

Shipstern Bluff: For Those That Dare!!

Now, I did mention seriously BIG waves. Southern Tasmania is home to Australia’s “heaviest” wave (that’s a good thing if you’re a surfer). Also known as Devil’s Point, Shipstern Bluff is accessed near Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula. Riding the massive waves involves either a long bushwalk or a boat, and some serious deep breathing, I would imagine.

Proving that Shipstern is not the only killer break in Tassie, the front page of The Mercury (Hobart’s local newspaper) recently published a photo of a professional surfer taking on the mountainous seas near Bicheno, on the state’s east coast. Unfortunately, the seas won that particular battle, dumping the surfer onto his back on the rocks. His bones might have been broken, but his spirit wasn’t and after a good, long recovery, he’ll be out there again. Crazy!

Shaun Wallbank, Mercury Correspondent (Photo by Samuel Shelley)

Surf photos that emerge from “Shippies” are spectacular, and even if you’re not into surfing in Tasmania (or anywhere else), you can’t help but be impressed by the photography. These samples come from Samuel Shelley – Surfing in Tasmania. His collection really highlights the majesty of the wild ocean.

Surfing in Tasmania - Shipsterns Bluff (Photo by Samuel Shelley)

Seriously BIG wave surfing in Tasmania (Photo by Samuel Shelley)

So that’s my wrap up of Surfing in Tasmania. Something for everyone,
from kids with a foam board, to daredevils with a death wish.
What option will you choose?

think-tasmania.com