Watch: Tim Bonython // Paddling Monsters

Stu Nettle picture
Stu Nettle (stunet)
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Leaving the horses in the stable and relying on paddle power.

In between XXL swells, Tim has been shooting the paddle days at Nazare. Most of which used to be ignored, but now that Naz has become a permanent northern hemi base the crew have to fill their days doing something.

Lot of great drops in this seven-minute clip, some fine punishment too, making it arguably more entertaining than a tow clip at twice the size.

Comments

flow's picture
flow's picture
flow Tuesday, 13 Dec 2022 at 1:05pm

3:31 reminded me of Tom Carroll late 80s pipe take off.

flow's picture
flow's picture
flow Tuesday, 13 Dec 2022 at 1:10pm

Looks like a better wave at that size too.

Robwilliams's picture
Robwilliams's picture
Robwilliams Tuesday, 13 Dec 2022 at 2:42pm

good to see crew testing and paddling, level is only going to rise, got to take nazare for what it is when comparing it to other spots. Much prefer seeing the limits being pushed paddling and they can only evolve as equipment and knowledge comes into play. The shore break is going to start being charged at size when days or peaks align. The unpredictability of the shifting wave zone and safety are likely massive factors. paddlers work hard for their keep were ever they are. The added bonus of having a ski to be able to save or put you in the spot is going to open up possibilities paddling in the future. Love seeing the progression in paddling were ever it is. bit of old paddle footage of those hectic wedges that sometimes form to the left and inside. Some of them look mental and far hollower but I don't know if it's even an option to sit there ski or paddle size. Finding a clean one with out the chop may not even be possible. i reckon despite what people say about it being fluffy and not as good as other spots you could easily die out there if you got caught out.


DUNK it they said

Robwilliams's picture
Robwilliams's picture
Robwilliams Tuesday, 13 Dec 2022 at 4:14pm

How may crew are using nazare to dial equipment and build confidence and skill for other spots due to its consistency or size offerings? I don't think tom lowe or twiggy would be there if they weren't getting something out of those sessions for sessions to come, there or elsewhere. They have had many epic, heavy and hollow, paddle swells worldwide through the years. Or are some riders expected they make an appearance due to big business and the somewhat commodifying of some spots by various sponsored groups ( in some cases its an all out branding assault). I'm sure many do it for the love but some spots have been capitalised by dominant business interests and their riders somewhat to the detriment. Many pinnacle wave zones now have team houses world wide. I guess they call it progress and red bulls selling regardless of who's riding this year or next for them. Change is inevitable.

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Tuesday, 13 Dec 2022 at 4:25pm

Yeah this video is way more exciting than the bigger tow stuff!

Shaun Hanson's picture
Shaun Hanson's picture
Shaun Hanson Tuesday, 13 Dec 2022 at 7:03pm

Hope there all wearing inflattable vests because you dont float if ya balls are made steel..Heavy shit

bluediamond's picture
bluediamond's picture
bluediamond Tuesday, 13 Dec 2022 at 7:41pm

This would have to be the best clip i've seen of Nazare. Some beautiful big waves. Crazy paddling around that lineup on 9foot of foam. Hat's off to all the chargeres and great clip T.B. Loved it.

Womble123's picture
Womble123's picture
Womble123 Tuesday, 13 Dec 2022 at 8:14pm

Good to watch tbh. It does look like you will pay your dues no matter where you sit

Ray Shirlaw's picture
Ray Shirlaw's picture
Ray Shirlaw Tuesday, 13 Dec 2022 at 8:53pm

Woah... Yeh...naah....but ...Yeh if it was down the road id b keen..

Vunerable's picture
Vunerable's picture
Vunerable Wednesday, 14 Dec 2022 at 1:11pm

Risk V Reward ratio heavily outweighed by having to ditch 9 foot gun for a sleigh ride.

Philip Dewick's picture
Philip Dewick's picture
Philip Dewick Wednesday, 14 Dec 2022 at 1:55pm

I'm curious about bailing on a closeout soon after they've made the drop.
@1:57 and @2:58 good examples.
I understand doing that on smaller waves (and I have no experience in waves this size) but I would have thought better to ride the (massive!) foam as long as you can... Or is the risk of getting caught closer in worse?

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Wednesday, 14 Dec 2022 at 2:06pm

They're wearing inflatable vests which means shortly after they pull the cord (you can see in 2:58 he's going early) they'll inflate and head to the surface anyway.

Once inflated they can't really paddle and want to be within easy reach of the skis.

Philip Dewick's picture
Philip Dewick's picture
Philip Dewick Wednesday, 14 Dec 2022 at 2:24pm

Thanks Stu.

mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Friday, 16 Dec 2022 at 10:53am

Normally (before all the "safety" anyhow )you would try and ride out the whitewater as far as you can after being caught behind or closed out on so you are further in and away from the next wave landing on you when you pop up, getting you out of the way from the action saving more beatings and not being in the way if someone is on the next one . These days and Nazare especially it would seem its all about getting the shot then getting rescued asap . A whole important skillset being lost IMO, being able to wipeout properly, get in and out of the way, swim in , use the leggie and gun to pull you in and closer to shore when you underwater etc etc tons of fun stuff! Nothing that you can see on instgram so pretty pointless these days.

Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Wednesday, 14 Dec 2022 at 3:54pm

Large Nazare, but not big, and down the beach. Looks fun!

sunhil's picture
sunhil's picture
sunhil Friday, 16 Dec 2022 at 9:11am

Well done to these guys, so much more commitment than just knowing when to let the rope go. It's more entertaining to watch the skills of the guys paddling, especially trying to negotiate the wave from a later take off point.

Dx3's picture
Dx3's picture
Dx3 Friday, 16 Dec 2022 at 9:58am

Epic. So much better to watch than tow-ins.

The last 2 waves, especially ditching his board right at the end, I can't even imagine what it feels like to see that much water coming towards you.