Bringing back the biff on South Australia's desert coast
Nothing has done more for crowd control on South Australia's desert coast than the cold threat of violence. There's seemingly no way to escape it. In the water it's Great Whites and South Australia's reputation for breeding sharks as big as buses. While on land it's overly protective locals operating in a wild frontier environment.
It's been over twenty years since Rabbit Bartholemew and a Billabong crew were challenged in the Cactus campground and sent back down the highway in a wobbly Tarago – the wheel nuts on their rented van souveniered by harebrained locals.
Three years after that surf journalist, D.C. Green, and a team of surfers were also sent packing. Green remonstrated with the locals, attempting to explain who he was and what they were doing. "I don't care if you're D.C. Purple, cunt," said the leader of the hostile party in a classic piece of West Coast diplomacy.
Other stories abounded involving shotguns, stink eyes, sometimes fists, and always the edgy, unpredictable behaviour of the Eyre Peninsula locals. It was just the sort of environment a xenophobic local desires; no-one knew if the stories were true or not but for surfers with two weeks leave up their sleeve it was easier to err on the side of caution and simply fly to Indonesia.
So for many years South Australia's West Coast remained the sole dominion of locals and the odd well-mannered traveller. The violence of the past cast a long shadow but it was mostly an anachronism of another time. Now merely implied rather than explicitly executed.
It was into this relatively peaceful environment that a new generation of Eyre Peninsula surfers began to draw attention to themselves and to the area. Sons of surfers they were relaxed in waves of consequence and subsequently drew sponsorships and acclaim. And while they were on the rise new packs of explorers – kids too young to appreciate the coast's recent history - were pushing farther into the desert frontier finding more and more great waves. Waves that very often ended up online or in print.
Which brings us to the current day.
Whether it be cyclical or something else altogether, after twenty years the West Coast of South Australia is again getting attention. And just as it did back then, the locals – at least a few of them – are beginning to push back in their own intimidatory style.
If you want to pick a tipping point it may well be a recent visit by Kelly Slater and Alex Gray to the area. They came to surf a righthand bommie discovered by bodyboarders that lies west of Fowler's Bay. Slater saw a photo of it in a bodyboarding magazine and made a few calls to locate it. Once the Australian competition leg was over he sought some desert therapy.
The presence of Old Baldy sent the crew in a spin. Five Adelaide photographers made the journey over, plus Slater's chosen documenters and hosts, plus people simply keen to watch Slater surf a mindlessly heavy desert wave. It was party time for a lonely stretch of coast but not everyone was rejoicing.
Two weeks after Slater and Gray left South Australia a meeting was held at the Port Lincoln Hotel. The Mid West Coast Board Riders Association - a group formed in 2011 - were having a gathering and looking to recruit members and explain their standpoint apropos the recent increase in exposure. Their invite was blunt: "So come on down and let's make a start in stopping the exploitation of OUR coastline so we can keep on surfing our epic waves without fly in fly out sponsored surfers and there [sic] cameramen."
On the night attendees were told the association was aiming to keep the West Coast photo and surf contest free, and they also raised the issue of visiting surfers camping and defecating in carparks though no solution was proffered for that problem.
Curiously, or perhaps not, potential members of the Mid West Coast Surfrider's Association couldn't join by simply filling out a form and ponying up the fee. Entry into the association was contingent upon approval by the association's committee. Membership was earned by past deeds and opinions.
One of the associations first actions since the meeting has been to stop visitors filming at a heavily frequented reef south of Elliston. 'Guards' were installed for two days during a recent swell to prevent any would-be filmers from recording the waves.
Such measures may seem futile on a coast so vast, but it could be argued the formation and rudimentary measures of the Mid West Coast Surfrider's Association are already having the desired effect. Recent visitors to the Eyre Peninsula speak of a deeper sense of anxiety and heightened caution. Older surfers may also feel a stab of deja vu. On a coast with a long history of violence it doesn't take much to stir up the old spectres.
(Editor's note: The original version of this story stated that the Mid West Coast Surfrider's Association were a new group. In fact they formed in 2011 when they registered with ASIC as an association. The story has been edited to reflect that)
Comments
I'd like to thank, firstly Swellnet, for giving me this incredible opportunity, my parents, my beautiful wife and children for their support, and for all of you, for just being there for me... I am so overcome, I don't know what to say...
Fuck you upskirt, I wanted to win the prize for the 500th comment. An all expenses 10 day surf charter for 2 with drjeffe, and you jumped in and stole it. Shaun will be gutted , I promised I would take him.
Haha, can't believe you missed 500 Morris, better luck next story!
Oh yeh, here we go again, typical, its nothing I haven't been subjected to many, many, many times before. The old tall poppy syndrome. Why does Uplift always win? Now all the haters and those filled with jealousy will try and bring yet another of my achievements down. Too bad losers! No prize for second! Slops for you Mozzy... again! Shawney will be none the wiser, he's slow as a wet week.
Damn!!!!!
Pssst, upskirt, seeing as you don't have any friends, I'll come with you on the drjeffie surf charter, but don't tell morris he doesn't need to know.
Come on Craig, don't baby them, it was never in doubt, kooks (and I emphasise kooks) like mozzy and shawney are nothing but stepping stones to me. I toy with them, let them them feel so important, think that they are so close, then effortlessly scrub the floor with them. Remember shawney? Oh yeh, he was the guy Mr Uplift drubbed.
Westie not convinced about 3rd option biffo, for that matter not convinced about 2nd option intentional over the falls in front of a snaker/aggro etc. Horses for courses maybe and I'm not in that race. Throwing yourself over the falls in some waves - that'll be fairly dangerous for you and also the gumby snake as I'm sure you are aware of even if its your local. But I'm all for your attitude about the spirit of adventure and just thinking outside the box. Its easy to become complacent. Stoked to hear you grew up on the west coast but also got the travel bug and broadened your horizons, hope you got barrelled everywhere!
Westie. I agree with many aspects of your post in regards to dealing with bad behaviour in the water or car loads of crew. Spot on,I agree totally.
I also agree nothing stays the same,there are just more people surfing these days ,areas becoming more populated etc the world evolves,but I disagree a local community cannot have a say in how that "wheel of change " happens.
Are you saying bend over and just accept that anyone can come in and do whatever they like ,even at the cost of the other coastal users, local people who are not in agreeance?
So a local community decides they want a say, media exposure for example why should they then have to have it if the majority do not want it?
Communities often campaign against large commercial developments because of impacts that will happen on an area.
In my experience its not about people not being able to go and surf an area its only about how they do it.
Also from my experience people who don't agree because of self interest love to paint a different picture to discredit its intentions.
A few try to profit at the cost of many.
Without a doubt ugly localism exists in places and there should be no room for it. Local boys should get their waves and that is how Ive accepted it when I travel. That's where your remedy for bad behaviour can come in to play.
Sid , youre a total and utter tool.
Accusing Brutus of exposing Shippies? Anyone with better information please enlighten me, but didnt quite a few Tassie locals play a big part in the spotlight on Shippies. As well as the FIFO boys?
As for accusations of Trespass,Vandalism and Harassment you sound like another fairy tale teller known in parts. Looks like you bought it. As I have said before in regards to some matters you know sweet fuck all.
Surf media junky NO,just passionate about some issues and prepard to put my 5 cents in. I have noticed though it is you appearing on many other threads on SW giving your opinion on all matters. Get back to ya fishing business Daddy bought you and stop pretending you have any idea ya beat off!
Westie I would like to clarify I agree with your thoughts on locals tuning bad behaviour including car loads.
I do not support any tactics that are dangerous ie flicking boards, going over the falls onto people.
But definately if people paddle straight up the inside and generally show bad manners yeah its up to the crew to speak up, pull em up.
Thank you Westie for a rational, moderate and commonsense post from a ridgy didge local.
It has been my experience that the real born n bred'ers in these type communities, are laid back, casual, lovely people. Often embarassed by the poor conduct of a limited number of certain individuals.
500 comment record! Maybe stu should do a article on Mark Visser in the SA desert, 1000 comments plus I reckon.
Sid, Laid back, casual or lovely hardley describes Smucker yet hes 4 th gen or something.
Not always this occurs but nice try to paint it that "blow in locals" are the root problem whist real locals are highly embarrassed by a few trouble makers.
What about the blow in visitors that feel they can exploit an area for personal gain then disappear without any consideration for the people who live there and how they may feel about it?
Like Ive said before some just dont want to get it because it doesnt suit their agenda.
RN, there are always loose canons at both end of the spectrum, neither offer any help.
oh yeah, SidtheCrim gave me a leg up some time ago, but he also never gave me so much as a phone call for 22 years, but thats none of your business. I've spent most of my life fending for myself with no family in Australia since I was 18 years old. Have I got baggage about that, not at all, in fact I'm very happy go lucky, albeit with an allergy to horrible cunts.
Unlike yourself, to whom I can only recommend psyllium husks, colonic irrigation or a nappy change.
Totally Natural Fibre Plus is way better Sid!
I think it is anyways,
Fuck the psyllium husk off.
Great stools for sure.
Thanks for the health tip boys.
One thing I know for certain is that locals around Australia will continue to look after their back yard as they have since the beginning.
I cannot understand how people expect to be welcome somewhere when they arrive in carloads,have no manners in the water or do anything knowingly against the local ideals be it filming or whatever.
Whoever you are(or think you are) in your pond doesn't matter to us,you will get treated accordingly to how you conduct yourself in our pond.
How would I like my surfing experience to be? That's the question you need to ask yourself when you rock up somewhere as a visitor.
Coming soon to a beach near you.
invasion eh. I no how you fellas all feel
I think uplifted just went to FIG Jam status...not bad for a bloke who doesn't surf...but talks a great story...as long as its about him...
we have FIG JAM rowls..and now an UplifterFIG JAM also....
Still bangin on about fig jam brutus, let it go your embarrassing yourself with this obsession. You and upskirt are as bad as each other
except One of us surfs the other doesn't....!!!
Interesting interview with FIGJAM in Australia Surfing Life think it was,he didn't want to know about some of the questions put to him.
Past behaviour catching up is it?
RedNeck, What are you doing reading ASL ?
It's full of exposure, cameras, exploitation, evil corporate scuttlebutt and fully funded by the diabolical Surf Industrial Complex.
Get back in your suckhole pond puddle.
After all the garbage going on in this thread it might be refreshing to see a different perspective of the locals, there's no "cold threat of violence" in this scenario, just kindness, decency and consideration for others.
https://vimeo.com/68901496#at=0
@mick63 thanks for the link, incredible after more than 500 comments you shut door with something beautiful #givingback #elliston #awesome ...I have only great memories of my trips to your area the team there in the early 80's were always super cool. Travel is easy go alone or with immediate family no photos and a shit load of respect for those there first and you end up being offered set waves #tooeasy
Wow Wow Wow
Tyron Swan you are amazing bro, What a fuckn champion mate.
That nearly made me cry.
Thanks mick63 what an awe-inspiring video.
Nice work.
I wouldn't call that duct tape though, it's the stretchy stuff from bunnings, but it works like a dream come true.
Is there a person of the year award in OZ?
If so Tyron Swan deserves every bit of it.
With out a doubt.
And I totally agree Welly. Champion effort.
Ty also charges big waves like a maniac! I saw a photo of him surfing a huge wave on his 9'8" at the bombie on the same day Kelly was out there towing it. The real deal paddling out there with no tow assistance! Respect!!
Go "Tyron"
Legend bro.
I'm not waiting for the tin tin et to take place as Tyron Swan deserves a Medal!
ahhhh.... localism! interesting stuff. Anyone who assualts someone, damages their car, chases kids out the surf or does any of that othe ILLEGAL behaviour is a WANKER, a low life, a turd!
In general if someone shows up at a parking lot or in the line up and harasses you because they don't want you surfing "their" spot, they will drive their car with number plates to the parking lot. Write down the number plate and complain to the police or fight if you are that sort of bloke - keep a steel rod or similar in your car as they normally only attack when they out number you!
We need 100% of these thuggery incidents reported to the police. It will be a small group of kook to average surfers who are invovled in this activity. They are your typical aggro beat my wife and kids type of bloke, you get them everywhere not just SA. If they get reported to the police again and again then this rubbish will stop. Reporting it does not make you a wuss, just responsible as they need to be stopped before they take some guy on 5 to 1 and kick them to death.
I live in South NSW and get waves by myself often. Personally I choose to surf spots that have no-one else out. I will take a crap wave over a crowded one and there are loads of good reefs around that get crowded, I will only surf them for the first hour of light while they are filling up. Half the time though when I am surfing I go straight to those crap waves, and an out of towner will show up and paddle out next to me, sometimes onto my inside. Typically the average to crap beachies I surf have about 5 to 20 almost identical sucky peaks but they will sit on the same one as me and hassle me. I just paddle somewhere else. Perhaps that is what you SA locals should do instead of deteriorating to unsociable and violent acts, if you show up and spot looks to crowded, shake your head and go to another - crowds follow good waves.
If you choose to call a great spot "ours" then sometimes their will be lots of people and their will be cameras and their will be East Coast arses paddling onto your inside at "ours" and trying to be on every set - those East Coast surfers do drive me nuts - Sydney, Gold Coast has the most of them but you get them from Victoria to.
To those travelling, if you go to a good break that is popular do not hassle. If their are twenty people in the water and 4 waves a set, you should wait 5 or 6 or even 7 sets before even paddling for a wave. Just manners, don' t be lured by how perfect the waves are to start hassling because at best you can only get as many waves as the locals. Another tip to those travelling - try the first light surf; typically the aggro beat my wife and kids locals will drink a bit to much and sleep in. Whenever I travel these days I do the dawn patrol as you always get a melow crowd, often older blokes and good surfers - out to have fun and be one with the ocean instead of wanting to get rid of them visitors.
Burger, is that you? Ulla's
are there any reports of actual assaults from the west coast of s.a. ?or just intimidation and threats, yorkes surfer may have mentioned one on another thread at cactus but you never really hear of any beatings.
7 news Adelaide have a story on cactus re no filming no cameras ,handing out pamphlets on whats allowed/not allowed in the surfing reserve.
And 7 News also ran the photo Swellnet was sent months ago with the wax on the car.
That photo wasn't even taken anywhere near Cactus and Channel 7 claim it was done this week!
"Locals made it clear cameras were not welcome when 7News visited the beach this week, with ‘No camara (sic) c***’ written on the back of the crew's vehicle in wax."
Media watch should get onto this one..
https://au.news.yahoo.com/sa/latest/a/-/newshome/18611296/warning-agains…
"The National Surfing Reserve Charter prohibits the following within the reserve: surf contests, jet skis, commercial photography, and publishing still or moving images on any format including the Internet".
A very interesting statement. I wasn't aware this was actually a part of the official NSR Charter.
If so, this means no photos or videos can be be published of Cronulla, Narrabeen, Margaret River, Merewether, Maroubra and the other six National Surfing Reserves.
As for everyone being prohibited to "publish still images on any format" - someone better call Christo Reid, as someone's gonna have to issue a nationwide recall of his book 'Cactus'.
john riddell the 7 news reader, does anyone know if he is still a active surfer in s.a. ?
"7 news Adelaide have a story on cactus re no filming no cameras ,handing out pamphlets on whats allowed/not allowed in the surfing reserve."
Seems someone has taken it upon themselves to push their own agenda under the NSR banner.
Udo - yes down around Victor Hbr. He also drives a jet ski. People will point cameras at whatever they like these days and nobody can stop that.
I love how you guys get so worked up by people trying to slow the exposure down. Is it because you are a big part of the problem? Why not just keep on pissing in each others pockets with defensive posts to justify your existance Sellnet.
Who's worked up, Mike?
I'm more concerned by people who can't spell then exposure in SA.
Were you being iranic thin, Stu?
Yeeeees Whaaaaat.
It's the thread that wont die. I'm going up to Streaky in two weeks where I'll burn some incense, wave at strangers and tell the barmaid to keep the change. There wont be any biff while I'm around.
Have to say I had a chuckle a couple of weeks back when the following headline appeared on my news feed:
"Legends say bring back the biff in the wake of the 'squirrel grip' controversy"
https://www.foxsports.com.au/league/legends-say-bring-back-the-biff-in-t…
Don,t concern yourself with my spelling to much stu, not everybody thinks they are a journalist.
Race you to 1000 upskirt
'Race you to 1000 upskirt'
What a sad, sad, poignant moment. Sean obviously never fully recovered from the battering, and he's still not sure where he is. Its worse than watching Elvis's last concerts. Tragic.
I'll let Barry take it from here.
Its the 21st century which means everybody is a travelling surfer all around the globe.
To think you can keep these type of waves to your selfish selves is beyond ridicules. Just think what the Nth shore of Ohua have to put up with for 4 or 5 months of the year I myself use to have a world class slab I had to look for people to surf with now when it even looks like breaking there will be 30-50 gaytrays I have to battle with plus others.
By all means keep up localism to rude and poor attitude surfers they deserve to be taught manners but the rest of the travelling surfers who show proper respect you locals should be cool. Lets face it there is noway surfers are going to stop travelling thru and catching a few waves. You cant stop the tide or the surfers so suck it up.
Back in '99 (hardly a trailblazer I know!!) I visited Cactus as part of a dream surfing mission around Aus. I had heard & read many scary stories about the locals in these parts & it was with a lot of intrepidation that I ventured in.
I found the whole experience to be amazing. Showing a lot of respect goes along way (not matter where you are) to having a great experience.
Udo said :: "any news links to the streaky missing person ? about 7 years ago I heard that story while out at asu, cold case ,any coroners findings on tit......seems to be just swept under the carpet..."
Yorkesurfer :: "He used to surf ****** with a front foot strap on his board to handle the steep takeoff and had this weird ugly board that had three fins in a straight line across the tail. Like a twinnie with a third fin in the middle. It looked ridiculous but he used to fucken charge and was a snaking cunt so I'm not surprised he pissed so many people off. The name Eric rings a bell. As to his disappearance can't really say. You hear things but who knows? Anyone care to enlighten me?"
Uplift ::"Gidday yorkesurfer, I had a lot of surfs with Eric. He was a nice enough guy, definitely innovative, but ended up spinning out, and just caught up out of his depth with the wrong people."
https://crimestopperssa.com.au/case/eric-lynch/
https://www.australianmissingpersonsregister.com/EricLynch.htm
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/the-cold-case-files-…
https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/who-missing/sa/lynch-eric
I'm grateful when surfers choose to police their stretch of coast against the parasites of the commercial community .