Strike Mission: Pure Perfection
The notorious Gnaraloo. A spot that separates the dreamers from the doers. Located in one of Western Australia’s most remote corners, this wave has earned its reputation as one of the premier spots on the planet. SEVERNE team rider Federico Infantino recently scored what he describes as “one of the most adrenaline-packed sessions” of his life.
The waiting game
October in Western Australia can be a bit of a gamble. The transition between winter swells and summer winds means you’re either all-time or watching the horizon. But for Federico, ten years of annual pilgrimages north have taught him the value of patience.
“This year, we had something special brewing,” Federico says. “The forecast was showing a solid 20-second period swell, and unlike the usual WA forecast that backs off as it approaches, this one held strong.”
The reality exceeded even the most optimistic predictions. Dawn revealed pumping conditions with only a handful of surfers brave enough to tackle the 40-minute paddle battle against the current. But it was the afternoon session that would etch itself into Federico’s memory.
With the car park packed and some of WA’s big names sidelined, Federico found himself in a rare position – solo sessions at one of his favorite waves. Armed with his S-1 Pro 4.4 and trusty Stone 78, he waited for the perfect moment to navigate the lineup.
The solo mission
“Friends and people on the beach started motivating me, helping carry my gear down to the water. With my 4.4 sail S-1 Pro and 78L Stone board, I waited for the right moment to pass the lineup, which was one of the most difficult part and then I was super focus on not making any mistakes; it was a mental game, and you don’t mess with nature!
Over mast-high sets were detonating across three barreling sections, breaking on a virtually dry reef,” recalls Federico. “Wave after wave, I kept pushing deeper, testing my limits in what became one of the heaviest but most rewarding sessions I’ve ever had.“
The action
Here’s a stack of shots from that epic October afternoon at Gnaraloo. A session that proves when Western Australia turns on, it really turns on.
Champagne session
Pure West Oz perfection with the late afternoon light painting the lineup gold.
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