Twenty surfers will take to Shipstern Bluff in an invite only surf competition during the next five months.
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The bluff has waves that are 20 feet in height and are described as some of the most difficult waves in the world.
The Red Bull Cape Fear competition will return in 2018.
It gives the surfers chance to take on the state’s “optimal swell”, big wave surfer and Red Bull Cape Fear event creator Mark Matthews said.
“The mountainous size, power and majestic intensity of Shipstern Bluff matched with 20 fearless big wave surfers has all the ingredients to be a highly viewed surfing event,” he said.
“It takes a special breed of surfer to surf such a wave.”
The surfers who will take part in the competition include Mick Fanning, Ross Clake-Jones and 2016 winner Russell Bierke.
Anytime from August 1, swell levels will be monitored and, if the green-light is given, invited surfers will have 48 hours to make their way to Tassie to compete.
Fanning, who is a three-time world champion, has surfed Shipstern Bluff during a large swell in 2015.
“Surfing a wave like Shipstern Bluff gives a sense of satisfaction and relief, but it’s a whole different ball game in an event like Red Bull Cape Fear,” he said.
“Last time the event ran I watched every second. I was in awe of the athletes and their performances. To test myself against the ocean but also against my favourite big wave surfers will be a real honour and I’m going to relish the challenge.”
The event will be closed to spectators, but the entire event will be broadcast on Red Bull TV.
Red Bull Cape Fear is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.
The challenge was not held in 2017.
THE SURFERS:
- Russell Bierke (AUS)
- Pedro Scooby (BRA)
- Daniel Griffiths (AUS)
- Michael Brennan (AUS)
- Mick Fanning (AUS)
- Laurie Towner (AUS)
- Shaun Wallbank (AUS)
- Zebulon Critchlow (AUS)
- Ross Clarke-Jones (AUS)
- Ryan Hipwood (AUS)
- James McKean (AUS)
- Brook Phillips (AUS)
- Jamie O-Brien (USA)
- Nathan Florence (USA)
- James Hollmer-Cross (AUS)
- Marti Paradisis (AUS)
- Kai Lenny (USA)
- Billy Kemper (USA)
- Tyler Hollmer-Cross (AUS)
- Alex Zawadzki (AUS)
HOW IT WORKS:
The competition uses a unique, overlapping heat format.
Five surfers will compete in four heats, with the winner of each heat progressing straight to the final.
The highest-placed surfer at the end of the final will be crowned the 2018 champion.
COMPETITION FUN FACTS:
- 20 invited surfers, including both Tasmanian locals who frequent the location, other key Australian surfers and
- international professional surfers,
- Triple-overhead waves, measuring up to 20-feet in height,
- 27 Olympic pools worth of water breaks over a shallow reef,
- Waves breaking 10 meters from the rocks of Shipstern Bluff,
- Surfers towed in at speeds up to 50km/h,
- One of the most difficult waves in the world, first surfed in the early 2000s,
- 30km boat ride to get to Shipstern Bluff or a multiple hour trek.