Protected from the ocean swells, Fingal Bay is fortunate to have one of the safest natural beach launching sites on the NSW coast. Known locally as Kiddies Corner, the southern most point of Fingal Beach provides the ideal opportunity for small boats to be rolled into calm water before motoring out over the close reefs. 

However there are very few occasions when it is not possible for me to push “Stinkpot” off the trailer into the water. One such occasion happened last a week or so ago.

I cannot recall seeing a bigger surf with massive waves smashing into the headland, threatening those gathered on the whale watching platform in Barry Park. The Fingal Spit was wiped out in a matter of hours as the mighty sea washed over everything in front of it. 

The peaceful water in Kiddies Corner was transformed into a huge washing machine with waves pounding the beach where I normally park my truck.

Behind the heaving swell was a small gathering of crazy surfers waiting for the perfect wave, a giant right hander to ride from the point across the bay to the surf club. 

For local surfing champion Simon Law these conditions were fantastic. 

It’s all yours Simon.

Stinkpot and I will sit this one out.  

Fishing writer, author and radio presenter John “Stinker” Clarke can be heard weekly, throughout NSW, on popular ABC Regional Radio fishing program “The Big Fish”. Check him out on www.stinker.com.au or send an email to editor@manningcommunitynews.com with your information and questions.