Craig Halstead's best of 2021 featuring pumping waves from Burleigh, Kirra, Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Duranbah.

What's the difference and how do each differ in regards to swell production?

Over Christmas and Boxing Days, the southern states were graced with a welcome, yet highly unseasonal south-west swell. That swell has almost entirely petered out now, with surfers in the eastern states warming up for their own run of swell. Contrary to the south-west swell, what’s unfolding in the east is in keeping with the seasons.

And yeah, if you’re reading this surf forecast from Queensland or northern NSW you may think it’s come a little late. However, those two days of waves you’ve just had are a mere entree for what’s in store. Go easy, don’t gorge yourself too soon.

A photo journal by Craig Brokensha of the year that was, 2021.