It's mid-autumn and it seems like every south and west facing coast in Australia is awash with waves. Over the last fortnight the Southern Ocean storm track has fired up providing a dynamic start to the season. An eventful one too.

Yesterday, Jordy triumphed on an epic day at Bells, while down the coast an altogether different scenario was unfolding for Russell Bierke with the young Ulladulla charger having a close shave in big waves.

The day before all that went down, the same swell hit The Right in southern WA and Mick Corbett had himself a bit of both: some triumph and some misery. Shortly after making a huge barrel, Mick threw a bit of variety into his act and come a'gutser in a big way.

Swellnet caught up with Mick as he was driving to the doctor for scans.

So who was out there Mick?
There were a few close mates out there, Jarryd Foster, my bro Dan Corbett, Brad Norris, Phil Read, Zac Haynes and a few other lads too.

How big was it?
The swell peaked at 5 metres with 19, 20 second periods. At first it was pretty slow, you know it was probably around 15 foot but then some sets come through that were HUGE. But to be honest I didn’t think it was that big when I was out there. Well, I mean I didn’t think it was as big as what I saw in the photo! I looked at the photo and went “Holy fuck!” Ha ha ha…

Why didn't you think it was as big?
When you’re out there and you don’t see that many waves break and you’re looking at ‘em from the back. It wasn’t until I saw that photo and I realised what was happening around us.

"Holy fuck!" (Photo Tom Jennings)

Tell us about that wave.
It was the first wave I rode that session. I towed Jarryd in for the first part of the day and then it was my turn. We waited for a while and this wave came in. It didn't seem like the biggest wave but it really stood up on the reef.

It’s a breathtaking shot.
I reckon it might be one of the biggest barrels I've had.

And then a couple of waves later your luck went south?
Yeah...I went from that [the wave in the photo] to the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. I was on a smaller wave and I thought I'd try to hit the lip.

Right...
Yeah I don't know what I was thinking, but I hit it too late and it projected me out onto the flats and my board got compressed against my leg.

So you landed on the flats and busted your knee?
Nah, it was when I hit the lip. The board rebounded hard and my leg bent in the wrong direction, it laid flat against the deck and then the wave threw me out into the air. I knew right away I’d done damage, while I was in the air coming down. I could feel it in my knee.

Painful? Silly question…?
Oh yeah, it was painful. I knew I’d done something bad.

And the diagnosis?
The physio said I’ve torn my MCL and that I might've have also done my ACL. I’m actually driving up to get scans on my ACL now.

Fingers crossed. Terrible timing with the Southern Hemi season beginning.
If I have to miss the whole season I’ll be bummed because it feels like it’s gonna be a good season, Tassie has had good waves, we’ve had Cow already, and it’s been pumping over here. It feels like it’s gonna be a good season.

I’m pretty bummed...but I tell ya what, that wave has already made my whole year! Something good, hey?