Gnarly Wipeouts and Barnacle Battles: A Day Out West Oz with Nathan Florence


Big wave charger Nathan Florence is no stranger to taking on the mother nature’s fury at some of the world’s most intimidating breaks. This time, however, a laid-back session with buddy Ned Hart at a remote Western Australian spot takes a slightly different – and hilarious – turn.

The aptly titled YouTube video, “Fun Session ,” opens with Nathan and Ned checking the conditions. The waves, while undeniably inviting, pack a serious punch. Undeterred by the size, these two seasoned surfers decide to paddle out anyway, Nathan even admitting with a chuckle that he might have forgotten his trusty boogie board (essential for catching those monsters) but “might” have one stashed in the car.

Joined by their film crew – the legendary Zor, M, and Chris White – the scene is set for an epic session. Nathan charges at the first wave, throws himself onto his board, but…well, let’s just say the ocean has other plans. A wipeout ensues, but Nathan pops up with a laugh, the wipeout clearly a badge of honor, not a cause for discouragement. Ned follows suit, catching a wave that looks like it could swallow them whole, only to be launched skyward in a spectacular dismount.

Despite the less-than-perfect rides, the stoke level remains high. These guys are clearly having a blast. Nathan, ever the commentator, narrates the challenges of the day. The waves, he explains, are thick and slow-moving, making them tricky to maneuver. He also reveals the hidden danger lurking beneath the surface – a nasty case of the barnacles! One particularly unceremonious wipeout leaves Nathan nursing scraped fins and feet, a reminder that even paradise has its hazards.

As the session progresses, Ned catches another monster wave, gets absolutely barreled, and gets ejected in spectacular fashion. A quick check-in from Nathan confirms what everyone was probably thinking: “You good, brah?” Laughter erupts as Ned, clearly a little shaken but unharmed, confirms the wave “threw him forward” and resulted in another close encounter with the unfriendly barnacles.

“Fun Session ” is a perfect example of why we love watching Nathan Florence surf. It’s not just about the death-defying drops or the heart-stopping barrel rides. It’s the infectious enthusiasm, the ability to find humor even in the face of a wipeout, and the pure joy of riding waves with friends. The video ends with Nathan thanking his lucky stars for wearing booties – those barnacles were no joke! So, next time you’re feeling a little down, take a cue from Nathan and Ned. Grab your board, head for the waves, and remember – a “fun session” doesn’t always have to mean flawless rides. Sometimes, it’s the wipeouts, the barnacle battles, and the laughter shared with friends that create the most epic memories.

LocalsOnly Contributor

Meet Jake, a contributor here! At just 25 years old, he has already conquered some of the gnarliest waves around the world. Born and raised in a small beach town, surfing has always been a part of Jake's life. He caught his first wave at the age of 5 and hasn't looked back since. Jake is known for his laid-back attitude and easy-going personality, making him a hit among fellow surfers and locals alike.

Recent Posts