DESERT CALLING

The forecast was too good to ignore. Big swell, clean wind; everything aligned for one of those sessions you remember for years. Federico Infantino had already committed to heading north when the charts lit up with solid lines marching toward Western Australia’s remote coastline.

Monday midday, camp set. Sunset warm-up in medium waves; a glimpse of what was building out to sea. But Federico knew. The real show was coming.

Tuesday brought the biggest swell Margaret River had seen all year; Federico and crew were already 400km north, positioned and ready.

“I skipped the morning session to save energy,” says Federico. “Paddled out around 2 p.m. just as the swell started building.”

The sets built steadily through the afternoon; huge, pulsing walls of energy that demanded commitment. No time for aerial games; this was survival surfing at its finest. Long rides down the line, massive bottom turns carved in the face of 10-foot walls, quick escapes from pitching lips. Federico stayed in the water until sunset with only a 30-minute break; four hours of relentless desert perfection.

Scott McKercher made the two-day mission north specifically for this swell. Local knowledge, timing, dedication; these elements separated those who scored from those who watched the forecast from home.

The conditions extracted their price. Federico took two massive wipeouts on the new 026 S-1 Pro; one ranks among the heaviest he’s experienced.

Federico rides the S-1 Pro / Stone combo
Scott rides the Blade / Project Scott combo.

Photos: Unleash Media House, Ivan Zecca, Scott McKercher, Federico Infantino

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