BOOKENDING A BIG SEASON

As the 2024 Western Australian windsurfing season comes close to its twilight, Federico Infantino and fellow windsurfers chased up an epic adventure.

With the chances of scoring one final offshore day in WA, and the WSL event being held at the Margaret River main break, little doubts were left in this local crew’s minds. They had to score elsewhere.

After scoring what seems to be a full season of wind and waves across Western Australia, it was time to look to alternatives to the standard locations.

The spot isn’t exactly a secret, but it abided by the “Local’s Policy,” so it’s preferred to keep it quiet. The discovery warriors will scope it, but the access “road” is quite the challenge, which makes the place even more unique.

Making it a real “aussie” experience, this trip couldn’t go without some beers and friends. On this mission, experienced adventurer and off-road skilled driver Federico Infantino, good friend Ivan Zecca, the rest of the Unleash Media House crew Giulio, Francesca, Nicolo, and two reliable 4WD chased down the coast looking for magical conditions.

THE CONDITIONS ON OFFER

After a few kilometres of crossing up the beach, Federico and the crew found their spot. About the conditions, this is what Federico had to say:

“Success at the spot depends largely on luck due to its beach break nature, where sandbanks, swell, and tide have a huge impact on the conditions. The surrounding hills make the lineup gusty. Typically, strong offshore wind is ideal, but this time, the wind was exceptionally strong, almost reaching 40 knots.

We drove up and down the 9 km coastline to find the best breaking point; the coast turns a bit, which helps play with the wind direction as well. Conditions were tough; the wind was super strong, and the swell rose up a lot, making the afternoon into a pure close-out session. We managed to sail for 1 hour, then the wind picked up even more, and our Camera Team called the White Flag because of all the sand that was flying at the beach. Even if we played with killer shore break in the water, the really hard job was managing to get the shot from the beach. Thank you Legends.”

WHAT YOU RIDE IN 40 KNOTS

For this mission, Federico rigged his 024 S-1 Pro 3.6, paired up with the 72l Stone. Ivan Zecca, the definition of a machine, rigged his smallest sail, the 024 Blade Pro 4.7 with a 100l Project Scott under his feet.

Despite being ready for all scenarios and leaving no wave unridden or wave section destroyed, luckily the trip was accident free. Although camping on the spot would be a dream, it is a Natural Park, so with all due respect, the crew headed back home after a day well spent.

”Not exactly how it went for the other 9 cars who got stuck across the shoreline on that day,” Federico said.

With the Seabreeze season wrapping up in Western Australia, it’s now time for the crew to go surfing before winter sets in with its storms. There’s plenty to explore down south, and this crew is 100% ready to make the most of it, so let’s hope they score, and that we’ll see more road trip stories like this.

ON THE ROAD WITH THE CREW

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