Big Wave News

Massive waves at Tasmania’s Shipstern Bluff make Oakley Surfing Life Big Wave Awards

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 10 September, 2008 : - - The fearsome nature of the remote surf spot in southern Tasmania, Shipstern Bluff, continues to draw a lot of attention and eager anticipation for hopeful champions of the Oakley Surfing Life Big Wave Awards. Famous big wave riders from around the country and the world alike have braved wild seas and rugged national park bushland to challenge the Bluff … often coming off second best.

But last Friday, September 5 2008, it was Locals’ Day. Tassie superchargers Marti Paradisis, Mike Brennan and James Hollmer-Cross, along with their NSW buddy Justen “Jughead” Allport, took on waves well beyond the 30-foot mark and came out very much on top.

Their efforts have thrown them into leading contention for the big prizes to be won in the Oakley Surfing Life Big Wave Awards for 2008/09. “I think this is the biggest we’ve ever surfed and photographed at the spot,” says lensman Stuart Gibson. “There were sooo many waves!”

For Marti – who was voted Best Overall in last year’s Awards – contention for the most prestigious heavy-surf award in Australasian waters is nothing new. For “Jughead” it’s a different story. Jughead’s been one of the world’s most respected big wave riders for several years for his willingness to lay it all on the line. But in 2003, riding 50 foot waves at California’s Ghost Trees, Justen shattered his right leg in a terrible wipeout.

The injury was bad enough to have him thinking about never surfing again. His entry in this year’s Awards is part of a journey back toward the top of his sport. “I wasn’t sure if my rides were big enough,” Justen says modestly. “I think James Hollmer-Cross got the bomb. But I’m just thrilled to be making entries and being a part of it all.”

More insane rides are sure to flood in over the coming weeks as more springtime swells flare along southern Australian and New Zealand coastlines. Watch the www.surfinglife.com.au/bigwaveawards site for updates!

The Oakley Surfing Life Big Wave Awards runs from June 1, 2008 to February 1, 2009 to reward the riders of the biggest waves in Australian and New Zealand waters.

About Oakley
Oakley, Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes high-performance sunglasses, prescription frames, goggles and technology-enabled eyewear that utilise the company’s High Definition Optics® (HDO®), a collective platform of patented technologies that offer unbeatable optical performance.  The company also produces technical and active apparel, footwear and accessories.  

About Morrison Media
Morrison Media is a unique and progressive magazine publishing company. It’s been Morrison Media’s continued commitment to all areas of quality and service that has enabled the company to grow as it has since 1985 with Australia’s Surfing Life Magazine.

What distinguishes them from their competition is the real passion they have for what they do. It’s a passion that shows at every level from editorial, photography, design and production, all driven by the desire to make the titles the final word on the sports and lifestyles they cover. Morrison Media is unique and progressive in its methods and take great pride in their market leading titles and service. Published titles include Australia’s Surfing Life, Slam, Riptide, Kiwi Surf, Australian Longboarding, Powderhound, Australian Snowboarder, Freerider MX, Trailbike Adventure, Frankie, Travelling in Australia, Visions, the Complete Guide to Surfing and Surf Stories books.  

www.oakley.com.au 
www.morrisonmedia.com.au  
http://surfinglife.com.au/bigwaveawards

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Cassandra Murnieks

Big Wave - Surfersvillage