Watch: Russ Bierke gets pumped at Nazare
In a recent chat with Swellnet, Russ Bierke questioned the "pay to play" ratio at big Nazare, but reasoned that his promotion to the Big Wave Tour meant he had to put some time in.
So this week he flew to Portugal for the first proper swell of the season and got whipped into a North Canyon peak which he instinctively faded. All the great rides at Nazare have been a result of coming from the other side of the peak or fading it and swinging back when the peak stands up, both strategies aimed to get the surfer as deep as possible on what is a misshapen wedge: tall but short.
Similarly, both strategies also require impeccable timing, but unfortunately for Russ he fades too far and by the time he comes onto his heel-side rail the peak has shifted leaving him in a hopeless situation.
Said Russ after the wipeout: "I barely got a breath before the second wave landed on me. Feeling pretty sore today, got a good whiplash when I skipped in front of the wave, but no injuries which is good”
Comments
Fucking ouch!
For sale: leash, only used once on holiday, only caught one wave
forgot to add: 10m long, VGC
Kalani surfed here in Feb...recent session he toys about with real men at Bunnings Basecamp
Today's Wave of the Day...Nazare ( without a Life vest)
Is flagship Swellnetonian Tim implying he himself is without a vest.
Fear factor goes up a notch, so too both respect & concern for the local lad.
Return home safe one & all.
@TBB,
From Tim. "I lived out a dream today and got to shoot the last of 30 minutes of the arvo session in the line up at Nazare thanks to my driver Will Skudin. It was truly one of the most exciting moments in my career. I’m still buzzing. PS the silly thing was when jumping onto the ski I forgot my life jacket."
That’s disgusting
Dunno what was said after he was flicked off but coulda sounded like" okaye skip dats ur free rescue for today from now on its pre paid. Buenos Dias skippy"
Cutting back at Nazare looks like a hoot.
yeah...but don't misjudge it...
Thanx for live porthole Stu... We loyal swellnetonians have never had it so good.
Teahupoo Vahine surfs into our hearts now Tim's the bowserboy at Nazare fuel station.
Message: "Tim! These are the best surf photos the world has ever seen!"
#1 Awards to Tim @ Swellnet. We are not worthy of such monumental surf splendour!
Charging!
Systematic Desensification!
LoL This used to be world news ..
That is great full blast ski driving.
That does not even remotely resemble having fun?
Horrific. Nazare is such a weird thing - such a shit wave and boring to watch but also compulsive viewing.
Wipeout of the year!
Old Russ should consider rodeo.......
Heavy wave / hectic bounce!
How's he feeling today ?
It looked like he should have backdoored the right. Hard to comprehend that amount of water on your head and the next one! Yes great ski work.