Margaret River Pro - Early Forecast

Craig Brokensha picture
Craig Brokensha (Craig)
Swellnet Dispatch

Following a very average Bells forecast (which the pros managed to make entertaining), all eyes shift across to the west, with the Margaret River Pro waiting period kicking off next Thursday.

And it looks like the WSL have run into a bit of luck.

This week has been atrocious across the region thanks to a progression of high-riding cold fronts, bringing large, stormy surf to Main Break, but that's all expected to settle into next week as high pressure takes up residence across southern Australia.

At the same time, the storm track will remain active throughout the Indian Ocean, generating plenty of swells in the moderate to large size range.

Following large, pumping surf just before the waiting period begins (next Tuesday/Wednesday), Thursday looks to start of smaller but clean and in the fun 4-6ft range with an E/NE tending light N/NW breeze. This will create clean conditions early, becoming slightly wind affected but fine for the rights at Main Break.

Similar winds will create favourable conditions on Friday but the swell will be smaller and down to 3ft+. A likely lay day.

Into next weekend, a moderate to large W/SW groundswell is expected to fill in, peaking on Saturday. This will be generated by a strong, broad low forming to the south-east of South Africa this Sunday.

A fetch of W/SW gales will be projected towards Western Australia before the low weakens around the Heard Island region on Tuesday. The groundswell from this low may be seen later Friday but is due to peak on Saturday to an inconsistent 6-8ft across Main Break along with morning offshore winds. A weak front may clip the state during the day, bringing SW breezes, and then possibly lingering from the S'th on Sunday as it eases.

A strong high pressure system will then follow, swinging winds back offshore for most of the following week with moderate sized pulses of mid-period swell to follow.

We'll nut down the finer details regarding the local winds next weekend and the swells to follow into the next week with an updated forecast next week.

16 Day Margaret River Forecast/WAMs

Comments

billie's picture
billie's picture
billie Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 5:22pm

So many things to be excited about. I actually really want to see Toledo on a bigger, heavier board show us (and himself) what he can do.

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 8:29pm

blackers's picture
blackers's picture
blackers Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 9:43pm

What Bells should look like.

BarbB's picture
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BarbB Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 1:46pm

1st exchange was B.S. Toledo for me was 2.5 points better.

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 10:52am

We know one thing for sure he won't do much at the box.

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 1:57pm

"Nine points ? Nine points? "
Yes Filipe that is what score you get when you actually take off and make a heavy wave.
Prima Donna.

billie's picture
billie's picture
billie Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 1:07pm

Haha!

sandcrab's picture
sandcrab's picture
sandcrab Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 5:36pm

I'd like to see the ladies out at box with the motivation of cut placings on offer.

Solitude's picture
Solitude's picture
Solitude Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 5:47pm

Why?

Solitude's picture
Solitude's picture
Solitude Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 5:47pm

So box (highly unlikely) and main break. North Point not a thing anymore yeah?

sacash's picture
sacash's picture
sacash Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 6:28pm

Once Bells is gone Margs will stay on as the only event in Aus

Andrew P's picture
Andrew P's picture
Andrew P Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 7:04pm

Any word on Jack robbo? JJF vs Jack R/ Joao final is my pick

Would love to see Jacko Baker and Conor O up there in the finals too

Bnkref's picture
Bnkref's picture
Bnkref Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 7:19pm

I saw that he posted something on social media a few days ago saying that he’d tweaked his knee but would be competing at Margs. Hopefully he’s all good.

Andrew P's picture
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Andrew P Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 7:31pm

Thanks for the update!

Westofthelake's picture
Westofthelake's picture
Westofthelake Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 10:48am

Jack Robbo on FB just now:
"During my heat at Bells, I ended up injuring my meniscus (cartilage in my knee).
After reviewing with a few specialists, and discussions with my team, I’ll be pulling out of the Margaret River Pro.
As you all know, Margs is my home break, and I’m always looking forward to being in @westernaustralia. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete at Margs, but it’s what’s best for my recovery and long term goals.
Next week I’ll be starting physiotherapy. I’m confident I’ll be back for the next event. It’s a long year and we are just starting!
Thanks for all your support! ❤️"

Bnkref's picture
Bnkref's picture
Bnkref Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 4:52pm

Damn. Hopefully he's not out for long.

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 8:29pm

dogrockdog's picture
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dogrockdog Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 10:39pm

Anyone know exactly how “ dropping your lowest scoring contest “ works ?
I understand in theory, but it seems to make the cut you just need to have more points total than the people under you. ? Like robbo will drop bells result, but it doesn’t really change anything does it ? Are the rankings rejigged with only your top 4 out of the first 5 events going towards your points ?
Anyway, looking forward to it.

Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean's picture
Lanky Dean Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 2:05pm

Jack will drop Margies 265.
Injury points.

nicko74's picture
nicko74's picture
nicko74 Friday, 14 Apr 2023 at 11:22pm

Jeez how good would it be if the WSL stayed out of WA altogether?

juegasiempre's picture
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juegasiempre Saturday, 15 Apr 2023 at 4:46am

I can't imagine any surfer wants the WSL anywhere near their home break.

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 2:11pm

Some places need the ct .
Keeps people interested in surfing.
J bay
Needs the ct
Teahupo
Also
Trestles
Bells. I don't think anyone there is really bothered with the comp being there.
Need a comp on the east coast.
I think it would be great if surfest. Was a ct Again.

campbell's picture
campbell's picture
campbell Saturday, 15 Apr 2023 at 11:10am

Thats for sure Jug,
the Lennox and Gnaraloo guys made the smart choice and got together to tell them to fuck off.
Surfers Point set up since before easter already , total no local access to the carpark at Margs from 11 april till 8 may, massive floodlights on all night (power courtesy of the local ratepayers that are locked out) , Perfy company Surfing WA and its minions swanning around running the show as the "local "face scooping all the cream from state gov and local shire $$$ having elaborate vip soirees to piss in each others pockets and pat themselves on the back for running the event and planting some seedlings which die off before the contest mess has even been pulled down and to top it off all the pros bitch about what a shit wave Margs is anyhow
The one plus is the shire rangers finally kick out all the campers and clean up their shit, mow the lawn, mulch the natives and maybe even the annual clean the backpackers rice and dishes mess out of the dunny block sinks .
Fuck the wsl

shoogsyboy's picture
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shoogsyboy Saturday, 15 Apr 2023 at 12:56pm

just what Campbell said.

Lamool89's picture
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Lamool89 Saturday, 15 Apr 2023 at 3:52pm

Let's be honest , pretty shit wave tho, average day is mostly over 40 year olds out there.few hundred metres across the bay is a different story

nolocal's picture
nolocal's picture
nolocal Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 11:04pm

hey, I'm over 40!

TheWhoSellOut's picture
TheWhoSellOut's picture
TheWhoSellOut Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 9:06am

I have been hoping that somebody will analyze and post the specific agreements that WSL has with the cities/government at their contest sites. I did a cursory google search when trestles was put back as a tour venue, and found nothing, but I’m sure the information would have to be available if I spent more time looking.

Jamyardy's picture
Jamyardy's picture
Jamyardy Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 12:38pm

From recollection the local shire (AMR) put in $20k for this event, the State Govt ~$5.5M (not sure if that is for this one event, or for all the events in the term which expires next year). Surfing WA sanctioned up to this year's event.

TheWhoSellOut's picture
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TheWhoSellOut Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 2:21pm

@jamyardy thanks!

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 3:08pm

You know, it's a steep price to pay to go through all that, but you do kick out the #vanlyfe and clean up afterward for a month - I reckon it's almost worth it. Almost.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 2:16pm

"mulch the natives" how is the woodchip treating the follicles on your noggin?

jsc's picture
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jsc Saturday, 15 Apr 2023 at 3:58pm

Better overhead waves and offshore conditions to give Ke12y Slater (USA) a better change to start his comeback and storm his way to the front of the pack and claim his 12th WORLD TITLE.

Remember, you read it here first.

Remigogo's picture
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Remigogo Saturday, 15 Apr 2023 at 6:13pm

Caaarn Ke12y!!!!

Gowsa's picture
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Gowsa Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 10:02am

JSC - are you a flat earther aswell ?

walkar's picture
walkar's picture
walkar Saturday, 15 Apr 2023 at 7:10pm

What direction etc does the BOX need to be viable for the WOZ

SingleFin95's picture
SingleFin95's picture
SingleFin95 Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 3:53pm

Mid period west swell, high tides.

NE wind ideal.

Too fickle to be a comp venue imo but we might see a few heats out there this year.

Solitude's picture
Solitude's picture
Solitude Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 3:57pm

agreed, if only for a couple of heats what's the point?

eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies Saturday, 15 Apr 2023 at 9:08pm

Depends who’s heats coming up.
If it’s toledos they’ll move to the farm instead of the box to justify his world title.

eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies Saturday, 15 Apr 2023 at 11:12pm

Actually that was a shit comment of mine.
I’d really like to see filopeedo charge box cos I know he’s got the skill set.
Carn fiilll
Head down
Charge it mate.

Solitude's picture
Solitude's picture
Solitude Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 8:07am

Nicely said mate. I agree, he has it there too I reckon.

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 8:11am

He's had the skill set for over a decade.

That is not the problem here.

Solitude's picture
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Solitude Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 8:29am

On the subject of the box. Although great entertainment, I don’t feel it’s worth the hassle. To have half a dozen heats run in completely opposite kind of surf feels like a really uneven playing field.

I’d rather them be able to be mobile to N. point should an epic swell turn up. With that being said it’s a fragile environment and if I lived at Gracetown my opinion would have been the same as Lennox when the Woz came a knocking

Swany's picture
Swany's picture
Swany Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 1:42pm

The tours suffering with shitty waves imo. Any option to get the guys off the face and under the lid should be grabbed with both hands.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 2:18pm

Heart muscle.

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 9:14am

@ Freeride76
As Kong would say,
"He's a soft _ _ _ _."

DeXtrus's picture
DeXtrus's picture
DeXtrus Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 11:09am

Jack has just posted on his FB that he's pulling out of Margs event.

Bugger.

freeride76's picture
freeride76's picture
freeride76 Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 11:43am

If he has a torn meniscus he'll be very, very lucky to be ready for surf ranch.

Swany's picture
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Swany Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 1:43pm

That suckssssssss

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 1:48pm

More than likely need keyhole surgery.
4-6 weeks minimum.

Joshy2000's picture
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Joshy2000 Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 3:17pm

I had a bucket handle tear of my meniscus and had surgery to remove the torn piece of cartilage, was good to go straight after surgery. I think if they try to repair the tear with stitches recovery may take longer.

geoffrobertford's picture
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geoffrobertford Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 11:00am

Yes it really depends how he chooses to manage it. The scientific evidence on meniscal tear management is somewhat grey rather than black and white. He may want to elect for surgical repair which if it takes could result in a good outcome but if it fails quite poor outcome. This will take some times to recover as you said Joshy. Thinking at least 8 weeks maybe more towards 12 weeks. If he gets a part of the meniscus removed it could be far quicker but may risk more arthritis down the track. He could also elect for non-surgical management which can take time too. Tough for him

Swany's picture
Swany's picture
Swany Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 at 3:20pm

Damn tough timing for him. It’s 9 weeks from injury to start of El Salvador, which is still kinda cutting it fine maybe. Two 33rds at Margs/tub + 17th at Bells.
Get well soon Robbo, still doable, but not easy!

TheWhoSellOut's picture
TheWhoSellOut's picture
TheWhoSellOut Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 2:37pm

Yes, depends on type of meniscus tear. I’ve been dealing with partial horizontal meniscus tear for over two years. Long story but due to my previous two knee surgeries on the same knee, orthopedic surgeon has opted to go without surgery. Nba players typically have a 40 day turnaround after meniscus surgery, but Lonzo Ball has been out over 14 months since meniscus surgery, with no sign of return until next august.

dawnperiscope's picture
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dawnperiscope Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 7:34am

I was hoping with the high storm track we might get a bit of WSW and see a few lefts ridden. Still proper SW so should be awesome viewing.
Finals day on Anzac Day looks likely!

booman's picture
booman's picture
booman Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 12:49pm

I miss the hype and viewing of the Snapper leg. I dont think they should be able to surf past the buoy though, should kick out and leave the next km for those that work all week long and want to get a wave.

burleigh's picture
burleigh's picture
burleigh Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 2:09pm

I want it to run at the box. Purely so we can watch Toledos balls shrivel up inside him.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 2:19pm

Or....he grows them!

burleigh's picture
burleigh's picture
burleigh Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 2:35pm

stranger things have happened.

Ocean-Okats's picture
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Ocean-Okats Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 3:42pm

So funny story from Saturday surfing wind effect solid Injidup car park. Two older (maybe locals) and myself sitting out there when the two guys start growling about the crowds, fuck the brazos they are all soft. "Look at them taking pics on the beach....that will be straight on the gram". Then i hear its "fuckin Italo" you should send him John! (cant actually remember his name) "yeah fuck him"
They say nothing........ Italo ripps the bag out of two waves and finds himself next to one of the guys and says hi to him....the guy gets SO excited that Italo has spoken to him he goes into a 10 min manic rave on the best wind and tides for Injidup carpark and the point!!! Sharing all his nice local surf knowledge....
I thought to myself what a Wanker.....or maybe I thought that's nice of him too share. You decide.

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 4:53pm

classic.

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 5:00pm

Hahaha.

sean killen's picture
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sean killen Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 9:38pm

What a ripper ..

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Monday, 17 Apr 2023 at 10:15pm

Times have changed..... In 1990 Tom Curren rode a wave at Margarets left into the rivermouth.
Didnt know he'd won the comp until he walked back to the beach comp area.
His rides start at about 36m

mike oxhard's picture
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mike oxhard Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 10:21am

I remember back in the day seeing tony hardy getting slotted on a huge hollow left out there, looked like cloudbreak, image is permanently etched into my brain, the left can produce the goods rarely

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 11:18am

I think I've seen 2 barrels in ten years of Margies.
Both were rights.
I don't think many pros even look left when surfing there.
Looks like their going to finish it on the bricks.
The only reason Margies is on tour is cause of government funding........

mpeachy's picture
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mpeachy Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 11:33am

WA held two events (including Rotto) during the Covid year which saved the WSL's hide, so a bit of goodwill is probably justified. When there's a wavepool event and finals at Trestles there's far worse events to be worried about.

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 12:05pm

I'd prefer if they surfed the left honestly.
I think the judges punish them though.
Yeah there are worse events on tour.
I think I made three waves of the Brazil contest last year....
I usually watch most of Margies.
Its entertaining.
I see why they hold it there. It holds any size .

mike oxhard's picture
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mike oxhard Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 12:35pm

it's pretty rare for the left to really wall up, it's usually just a fat corner.

I guess Margs is easy access for the woz, most the other spots in the region don't have the facilities to support the circus tents and spectators

frog's picture
frog's picture
frog Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 3:19pm

The Wizzle's newly created executive position Chief of Poop ruled against venues without suitable toileting facilities after an executive lost his phone deep in a drop toilet.

mike oxhard's picture
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mike oxhard Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 3:34pm

haha that's a bit shit innit

Remigogo's picture
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Remigogo Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 10:33pm

The drop toilet thing makes scents.

Who hasn't lost a phone down one right?

frog's picture
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frog Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:42am

Drop toilets are unexplored ground for metal detectorists....

Ben Harding's picture
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Ben Harding Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 4:13pm

jacob wilcox got a left barrel out there when he wildcarded against red hot JJF 6 years back

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 7:52pm

Correction: Barton Lynch won the above Margaret River 1990 comp.
Many barrels, wipeouts & broken boards.... everyone that made the waves enjoyed the rides.

Craig's picture
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Craig Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 11:23am

10ft and offshore today.

Spot the little surfers taking on the lefts..




Solitude's picture
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Solitude Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 11:53am

I imagine the pro's would be filling their boots. Love to see what a few of the region's gems look like today.

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 9:33am

It seems like the woz is a week behind the swell schedule
So far this season ?
Slow down huey , your sending it too early.

soggydog's picture
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soggydog Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 5:25pm

One of those brave little surfers out there lives at my house. Few crystal cones spitting surfers out at the box this morning too.
Been an epic two days.
Steph Gilmore is an absolute legend.

Further notes from the road.

Sprout's picture
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Sprout Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 12:11pm

Reckon Fils out there?

radiationrules's picture
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radiationrules Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 3:34pm

The left at Main Break may be "fat" vs. the right; and considered a "burger" by global "modern wave" standards; however multiple people (kids & adults) have died on the Surgeon's Table (inside left) - even a 4-6ft swell out there can kick your arse, and hold you down, in my experience.
(Disclaimer - I'm old; I've never ridden The Box and I'm never likely to,)

Craig's picture
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Craig Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 3:34pm

Just seen a grab of Caity Simmers absolutely sending a bomb out The Box today, the new guard is well and truly here!

southernraw's picture
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southernraw Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 at 4:00pm

Swell's barely taken a breath and dropped below 3metres for the last week.
Definitely an active ocean out there at the moment.

eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 12:39am

Here you go

Watch this and you won’t need to watch any heats at the point.
Same wave
Same turns
Every wave
Just like every heat
Yawn

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:48pm

Is Italo wearing a helmet?

dawnperiscope's picture
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dawnperiscope Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 5:49am

IMO
JJF laying into big main break is the pinnacle of modern pro surfing.
If pro surfing was about heavy water barrels then there’d be plenty of guys that are miles from a comp jersey that could put their hand up.
I reckon if you asked any pro what they wish they could do, the answer would be “turns like John at 8ft margs”
Excited with the forecast!

Roadkill's picture
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Roadkill Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 6:35am

Some of that pre event surf action is good. If the swell sticks around it will be a great event.

Island Bay's picture
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Island Bay Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 6:55am

Name one surfer in that video that wouldn't have looked better on a bigger board.

southernraw's picture
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southernraw Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:49am

100% agree.
Rail length looks so much better in solid surf.
Not in fashion though.

crg's picture
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crg Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 10:43am

Totally agree IB…maybe Liam O’B and Barron looked to have the cleanest rail lines…

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:42pm

Yeah there are some chattery bottom turns in there

juegasiempre's picture
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juegasiempre Thursday, 20 Apr 2023 at 3:34am

Agree. But for arguments sake I thought only Italo and Medina looked ok on the shorter board. Ethan looked really nice as well.

jamespeach's picture
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jamespeach Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:02am

Throw back to one of the greatest tragedies of the modern era. Jordy’a barrel dodge.
Ps - I love this Comp and the big turns and can’t wait. Let’s just be happy we will be able to see some big turns in big waves finally.

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:17am

I also enjoy this comp, just with the crew taking on some juicer, shifty surf and trying to nail that end section jam. A good time slot for viewing into the afternoon as well.

crg's picture
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crg Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:37am

This comp and JBay are the best viewing times!!

Standingleft's picture
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Standingleft Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:44am

John John clear winner in the freesurf. Medina looking hungry too. Reigniting my favourite rivalry, bring it on.
C.O'L put down some high scoring rides too.

jamespeach's picture
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jamespeach Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:50am

I also wish it was 20 foot and Jadson was in it so we could watch him take top to bottom wipeouts on the sets or go craY diving at the box

Dan87's picture
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Dan87 Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 10:46pm

Yep, love a charging Jaddy!
Also, o dawg wearing those 20ft sets on the head and having to dive off his board!

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 11:32am

For the record, the 'official' forecast for Margs from Surfline (just issued) has:

Thurs: Head high plus
Fri: Head high plus early, building to several feet overhead by the afternoon
Sat: Peak in swell double overhead

Sprout's picture
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Sprout Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 11:44am

Box still pumping, bring KP back for the call!

Craig's picture
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Craig Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 11:46am

The Box gets really boring, really quick. Drop, barrel and then no turn..

Sprout's picture
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Sprout Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 12:25pm

Couldn't disagree more.

Roadkill's picture
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Roadkill Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 3:38pm

yep, 100% agree, Craig.

Good for an arvo viewing with a few heavy hardcore wipeouts thrown in...after that it gets a bit repetitive.

Craig's picture
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Craig Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 12:15pm
Sprout's picture
Sprout's picture
Sprout Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 12:28pm

Nathan's next 'slab tour' video should be good, Island, Pikers, Box...

eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 12:18pm

Margs get real boring real quick.
Two turns and a close out
Everyone doing the same 2 turns just like last year etc.

Island Bay's picture
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Island Bay Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 2:34pm
Craig's picture
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Craig Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 2:35pm

There we go! Crazy, wouldn't have seen this a few years back!

Island Bay's picture
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Island Bay Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 2:39pm

She's special. Reckon she'll smash everyone in two years or so - possibly except for Pickles.

goofyfoot's picture
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goofyfoot Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 2:59pm

That’s awesome.
I love Steph G but you can’t imagine her doing that in a million years

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:36pm

That's so good!

eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 2:47pm

Now that’s better than bog rail margs ha ha

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 2:50pm

It is, but then after trying to split hairs over barrels and scores for an hour watching the same thing, super repetitive.

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 2:54pm

Can we have both?

A day at pumping Box and the rest Mainbreak?

Craig's picture
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Craig Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 2:57pm

Yeah best result!

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 3:49pm

I'm keen to see Caity and Pickles at the Box.

I reckon Pickles will send it too.

southernraw's picture
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southernraw Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 4:10pm

Lest we forget, the ever smiling Queen of aloha, Malia Manuel threading a few at the Box a couple of years ago.
Those ones Caity are on are bombs!

crg's picture
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crg Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 4:28pm

What chance they run tomorrow??

Craig's picture
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Craig Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 6:35pm

I reckon high.

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lostdoggy Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 4:59pm

They better scale John against the field rather than against himself.

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Andrew P Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 6:16pm

Baron Mamiya looked pretty good on the rail too from the quick edit I saw.

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lostdoggy Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 6:21pm

Yeh, I thought that too.
Lots have upped their game since 2016? When JJF was in a complete league of his own.
Chianca, mamiya, Liam O’Brien, Jordy, Ewing Matty mcG and some others for the naturals.
O’Leary, young, Rcal and Yago I like for the goofies

FrazP's picture
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FrazP Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 5:01pm

Any guess on whether it will start tomorrow?

rj-davey's picture
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rj-davey Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 5:22pm

This is possibly a dumb question, but what the heck I'll ask anyway.

I have never understood why Perth is generally regarded as having mediocre surf while the stretch between the capes gets cranking swells from the SW, even though both areas seem to me to have a similar westerly aspect and the systems producing these swells seem sufficiently far enough away to make the 200-300km difference between the two areas (I would have thought) somewhat immaterial. Yet its chalk and cheese. For the longest part I thought maybe Rotto was spoiling the party for Perth but when you zoom out on a map it really isn't that big an obstacle.

Is it all just offshore bathymetry?

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Craig Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 5:27pm

Yep, all hidden below the surface. Check out the shallow water extending from Rotto to the south-east. The fringing reefs get so shallow there, that they break on bigger swells.

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rj-davey Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 5:35pm

ahh I see.
Cheers Craig. Legend.

Solitude's picture
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Solitude Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 6:09pm

I really don’t know how Perth surfers do it. Place makes the Sunny Coast seem consistent

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maddogmorley Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 6:18pm

Probably same as Adelaide surfers Solitude - we just get in the car and drive

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velocityjohnno Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:05pm

Go sailing in summer

Sprout's picture
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Sprout Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:34pm

Grim!

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Andrew P Thursday, 20 Apr 2023 at 7:38am

Try living in Brisbane Sol. It’s all relative mate

Solitude's picture
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Solitude Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 8:59pm

So it has a similar effect to the barrier reef in qld does it?

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:08pm

Hope JJF's knee can handle the collisions on that end section.

lostdoggy's picture
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lostdoggy Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:12pm

If the judges reward those first two turns appropriately there’s no need for him to Hail Mary the end section.

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 7:16pm

I think he will be "forced" to hit that end section, but you might be right.

I'm really curious to find out.

southernraw's picture
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southernraw Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 8:13pm

Not sure if you recall but one of his past knee injuries occured right there.
I think it was knee injury number 2.(?)
Hardly worth it you'd think.

eat-your-vegies's picture
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eat-your-vegies Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 8:25pm

Just look at the gluggy mushy little end section that stuffed jacks knee at bells.
They get extra points the closer they come to an ambulance on the margs end section .
We’ve all done it where “that one time” it’s just lime stone.
Twice I’ve wrapped guys heads with a towel till we could get them to care.
Mind you these pro guys av got way more skill than you or me.
Or just me.
Lol

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Jamyardy Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 11:18pm

Ambo was heading to town from the point mid morning today flashing. Heard box was ridiculously crowded today, and with big open barrels

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mike oxhard Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 8:51pm

wonder if the solar eclipse tomorrow is gonna affect the comp, could be interesting

3vickers's picture
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3vickers Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 8:58pm

luv this event when it’s big and offshore - it’s as pure ocean beauty and energy that you are ever likely to see.

(only been there once myself and it was 2ft onshore - and a freakin long paddle!!)

Sprout's picture
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Sprout Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 9:03pm

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/@2066981

75% solar eclipse at Margs 11:17am. Will be amazing.

eat-your-vegies's picture
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eat-your-vegies Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 9:28pm

Vickers
Your right
I can’t post wat I just wrote
I’d be shot
There are waves here
It’s like Hawaii
You gotta be ready
The guys here are
You won’t be alone

eat-your-vegies's picture
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eat-your-vegies Wednesday, 19 Apr 2023 at 10:42pm

Not me of course
I’m just an old kook
But wa crew are solid.

southernraw's picture
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southernraw Thursday, 20 Apr 2023 at 6:01am

Should be on but maybe dodging 60foot plus bombs...
The buoy down South has been reading 19.10metres for the last 3 days. :-P
https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/albany-wave-data.asp

seaslug's picture
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seaslug Thursday, 20 Apr 2023 at 5:09pm

Its went adrift Tue lunchtime

Sprout's picture
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Sprout Thursday, 20 Apr 2023 at 5:56pm

simba's picture
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simba Thursday, 20 Apr 2023 at 6:25pm

whoever did that vid needs to learn how to spell the competitors names properly......

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Friday, 21 Apr 2023 at 11:03am

New swell starting to show..


thermalben's picture
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thermalben Saturday, 22 Apr 2023 at 9:03am

Nice set to review on the replay (7:01am local time). Easy 8ft+.

lostdoggy's picture
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lostdoggy Saturday, 22 Apr 2023 at 9:19am

Rather large.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Sunday, 23 Apr 2023 at 6:43am

Will they, won't they?

BOM forecast for the Leeuwin Coast today - issued half an hour ago - has a Strong Wind Warning: "Westerly 15 to 25 knots, reaching up to 30 knots offshore in the evening".

Current obs are under 10kts E/NE.

Most of the high res models have variable winds until late morning then a swing to the west but without any major strength. They suggest the breeze will kick in properly this evening and overnight.

Will be very interesting to see what plays out. Latest model guidance has taken a turn for the worse: Monday thru' Thursday look to be a write-off under strong winds from the W/SW thru S. Friday has light winds but I'd be cautious with expectations following four days of onshores.

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Island Bay Sunday, 23 Apr 2023 at 7:10am

I think they'll (have to) run this morning. Decent winds for a good part of the day by the looks (I have zero local knowledge), then 4 days of carnage.

goofyfoot's picture
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goofyfoot Sunday, 23 Apr 2023 at 7:13am

Would they finish it today?

seal's picture
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seal Sunday, 23 Apr 2023 at 8:06am

I think they've got 26 heats all up so they'd struggle to get them all done, even with overlapping heats ? I haven't done the maths but it'd be a huge day and depends on when this wind forecast to hit turns up too I guess ??

goofyfoot's picture
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goofyfoot Sunday, 23 Apr 2023 at 8:37am

Thanks seal

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Sunday, 23 Apr 2023 at 8:34am

Still looks 6-8ft to me!


thermalben's picture
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thermalben Monday, 24 Apr 2023 at 6:04am

SW winds gusting 39kts at Cape Nat and 41kts at Cape Leeuwin. Safe to safe we'll be off for the day.

Friday still remains the next viable day.

southernraw's picture
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southernraw Tuesday, 25 Apr 2023 at 12:02am

Looks like potential for last day of waiting period, Sunday? Similar to the good big clean day they had the other day?
Surely they'll move to The Box now that the cut doesn't come into the equation if the swell and conditions align again.
Absolutely no reason not to now.