Craig Brokensha

Swellnet forecaster, Craig Brokensha, scored heavily during a recent break from work. These photos are straight from the email he sent to the office. No words, just images. We'll have more later today.

Yesterday, as per forecast, the wind in southern NSW switched suddenly. After blowing north-east for 24 hours, and building a medium-sized local windswell to boot, it swung offshore north-west just before lunchtime. The window of opportunity had opened. Those surfers on the ball, or those on school holidays, were rewarded with a few hours of airbrushed perfection. The sudden transformation from windblown mess to real quality contrasting against the further transformation to this morning's abject flatness. The window of opportunity slammed shut.

The past Autumn and Winter was a very good one on the East Cost of Australia. In fact some surf publication even went so far as to call it the best Winter ever. Which would make it even better than last Winter which was the best on record. And let's not forget 2007, which was the best in living memory.

Best ever calls - in whatever guise they come - are so passe. Let's just be happy and say, "Well fuck, didn't it pump in 2011?" while remembering the sessions with wistful nostalgia.

From Tweed Heads to Eden the whole NSW coast is feeling the effects of an East Cost Low. The low pressure system, which formed on Wednesday, has been directing a strong sou-easterly flow toward the coast. The surf today has increased to a sizeable 10 foot+ but unfortunately the relentless onshore wind is ripping the waves to shreds.