Russell Bierke // A length of thrill - video

Stu Nettle (stunet)
Swellnet Dispatch
Wednesday, 30 July 2014

Ulladulla's Russell Bierke is just 16-years-old and already getting kudos for his surfing talent. However, in this age of second and third gen surfers, it seems every beach has a resident teenage phenom, yet Old Russ sits apart from his prodiguous peers.

For one, he's grown up far from surfing's commerical centres so his reputation is based on rock solid surfing and not fleeting media appeal. Also, his Dad Kirk only stage manages him insofar as putting the right equipment under his feet. Lastly, Russ' chosen discipline is heavy water; he's preternaturally comfortable in situations that belie his age. When the going gets critical Russ' composure and confidence come to the fore, traits that should only improve in the coming years.

Max Zappas has put together a clip of Russ surfing locally, around Australia, and also overseas.

Comments

udo Wednesday, 30 Jul 2014 at 12:15 pm new

What a charger good stuff go grommie.
Who sponsors young Russ ?

mehollywood Wednesday, 30 Jul 2014 at 02:24 pm new

Get his signature now.
Not many young guys can surf like him . I don't think there was one soft wave in the whole clip ( except the mal wave)!

mlesinski Thursday, 31 Jul 2014 at 01:25 am new

Apple does not fall far from the tree way to go young Bierke

gillos Friday, 1 Aug 2014 at 06:54 am new

i'm glad they showed him back at Shipsterns. He's come along way since his last visit there. good onya kid

lostdoggy Friday, 1 Aug 2014 at 05:59 pm new

Not sure about the tow-ins in front of the pack bit. Jet ski must be getting close to the paddlers too.

More Swellnet Dispatch