general information

The Southern Ocean is a cruel mistress indeed. This entire stretch of open ocean is whipped by the Furious 50's from west to east. The swell systems, which power the Pacific, Indian and south, Atlantic Oceans are all born here. Heard Island is a rare volcanic rock ideally placed to receive full force from these emerging swell systems.

The wave at ANZAC Cove was named by Adam Waldie during a visit there with the Australian Navy in the 1990's. Few have landed there since and none have surfed it. There are small scientific bases at Atlas Cove and Spit Bay to the north of the island which are currently abandoned but may provide shelter in an emergency.

Getting here is the real challenge. The island was listed as a World Heritage site in 1997 so travel would only be possible as part of a scientific expedition. The wind chill factor from the ever present westerly winds will restrict you to surfing in the middle of the southern Hemisphere summer only (Dec-Feb) in full dry suit.

The wave itself is a heavy left hander that offers excellent protection from the prevailing westerly winds and handles  any size the Southern Ocean can throw at it. On rare calm days, this break could fool you into thinking it is a reverse version of Noosa - until you entered the water that is. More commonly, the break is very woolly on takeoff due to extreme windage, smoothing out as the wave ratchets around the corner into the deep safety of the cove itself.

Be sure to limit your time in the water here to prevent the onset of deep hypothermia. ensure you factor in the time it will take to leave the water and reach shelter in your calculations.