Words Ben Horvath.
Monday morning May 14, 2012’s south swell was like a May 2011 re run. The common characteristics of both swells were uncanny. As per last year there were major size variances, depending on where you surfed, and the degree of exposure to the acute S, almost SSW angle of the swell.
Matt Grainger and Tom Carroll surfed Long Reef Bomby on their Stand Up Paddle Boards on Monday morning May 14, 2012. Matt said, “Tom and I decided to take the Sup’s out for a number of reasons. Firstly there was a bit of bump on the face as the wind was more SW than W, and we also wanted to do something a bit different as we were filming an episode of Manly Surf. There were some solid six to eight foot waves ridden, even the odd ten foot bomb.”
Ollie and TC dropping into solid LR Bomby on Monday morning May 14, 2012. Photo: ianbirdphotography.com
Matt also recalled the similarities between Monday’s pulse and last year’s May 18 swell. Matt said, “It is bizarre hey Benny. I can recall having a similar conversation with you this time last year, almost to the day. Last year’s swell was definitely cleaner, but I vividly recall you telling me Bondi, Cronulla and the Coal Coast were heaps smaller than the northern beaches, which is extremely rare in a south swell.”
The size discrepancies up and down the coast were extreme. Some deepwater bombies like Long Reef were picking up 8 foot plus bombs while more sheltered point and reef breaks were barely 3-5 foot.
Long time Cronulla local Steve Hare said, “Cronulla Point was a fun 3-5ft on Monday with a very rare bigger one. Dee why Point on Sydney’s northern beaches was more like 6ft with plenty of 8ft bombs.
The Coal coast was 3-4ft with the odd 5ft set, whilst the Central Coast was chunky, in the 6-8ft range at south facing locales.
Tuesday morning was smaller but cleaner. Most point and reef breaks were 3-5ft, ultra clean and cylindrical.
Coastalwatch forecaster Ben Mac said, “Monday’s first winter-like episode was generated by a deep low pressure system that moved gradually out of Tasmania’s swell shadow beneath the Tasman Sea over the weekend. Monday’s peak in swell was generated by an extensive gale force SSW fetch that elongated southward off Tasmania during Saturday and Sunday; its influence exacerbated by the slow movement of the low beneath the Tasman Sea.”
Bring on winter. Let us know where you scored.
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