The Yallingup Boardriders held their inaugural Big Wave Invitational competition last Thursday in pumping conditions at Yallingup's Mainbreak.
Favourable swells and wind forecasts put the event on standby, then the stars finally aligned to make it a special day for the competitors, locals and organiser's whose vision became reality.
The large 3.5 metre groundswell delivered some massive waves which actually got bigger throughout the day with groomed offshore winds which is rare for the South-West.
The invited competitors were a mixture of all ages from 16 year old teenagers to veterans in their 60's at the famed venue, all had the opportunity to surf two heats which were both 45 minutes in duration.
The big guns were out with the riders choosing the longer seven-foot plus boards for the steep wave faces and easier entry when catching the waves.
The event was focused on the wave, people and boards with everyone challenging themselves at their local break.
Big wave animal Paul 'Antman' Paterson took off on a perfect set wave and stood inside a wide open barrel to earn a 10 point ride and win the trophy with some exceptional backup waves to add to his total score.
Paterson has surfed some of the biggest waves in the region, Hawaii and all over the world so he felt comfortable during the day.
In second place was local charger Marty Chandler who took some big drops and clean turns throughout the day with Peter Arnold slotting into third place and holding his own in the powerful conditions.
The first event was a major success with the support of locals sponsors and looks set to continue in the years ahead when conditions are perfect.
Friday turned out to be another amazing experience for locals Taj Burrow and Jay Davies scoring down the road at Injidup Beach where a low pressure storm formed some unexpected northwest swell that hit the beaches with immense power and height.
A select few surfers and bodyboarders took on the wedging right handers with some tow in riding making the most of the conditions that were similar to the cyclone swells of the past.
It was an incredible two days of surf for Yallingup, let's hope there's more to come.
Forecast: variable winds on Thursday with a small 1.2m swell. Friday has a rising 2m groundswell and SW winds. The weekend starts with SSW winds and a 2.7m swell and it swings offshore on Sunday from the ESE with a 2.4m swell.
