Untamed Oceans
These four seascapes explore a surfer’s perspective of Tasmania’s untamed oceans. They are described in order from the top of the canvas.
Edge of the World on the West Coast is notorious for its massive waves, sharks, and a feeling of complete isolation. It has the longest uninterrupted expanse of water on the globe, with the closest land mass being Argentina.
Pedra Branca 26 kilometres off Southeast Cape, is known as the cold and brutal Tasmanian wave, often reaching 10 metres. It is frequently visited by Great Whites, and hypothermia is a real threat. The 2015 remake of "Point Break" (1991) starring Patrick Swayze featured footage of James Hollmer-Cross's near-death wipeout at Pedra Branca.
Martha Lavinia on King Island is 80 kilometres off the northwest tip of the Tasmanian mainland. Treacherous weather and sharks are common. Lavinia was a 52-ton schooner wrecked offshore in 1871 while carrying potatoes from Tasmania to Adelaide.
Shipstern Bluff on the southwest coast gets big waves of up to 6 metres. Great Whites and long hold-downs are common. The notorious inner wave is known as "The Step." The weight in water volume is the equivalent of 50 semi-trailers, making it a violent hold-down.