TRICKY, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE
The second reef was breaking which always makes Backyards a very tricky place to sail. You have to be just outside the first reef but not too far out where you will get one right on the head from the second reef. There’s only about a 20-metre safe zone between the first and second reef. Whitewater from the second outside reef at times can fill the small channels that separate each reef, making for a real game of cat and mouse in between the sets. That’s why they always say that Backyards is best at around 6 to 8 foot as there is no second reef breaking. Sailing this spot on a day like today would be achievable by the most experienced sailors.
On my very first wave I had I tried to aerial over a section of the wave but got a little back-winded due to how light the wind was and had to bail my gear. I knew I should’ve taken it easy on my first wave, but the shape of the wave was so perfect, I just had to hit it. I flew through the air on top of this exquisite looking beast and then just pin-dropped to the bottom of the face. I took a deep breath and waited for the harsh thrashing I was about to receive.
The wave is so shallow at the end section you really have to be careful not to hit the bottom. If you do slam into the reef you could find yourself with a broken leg or ankle. The trick is to try to land mid-face into the wave so you can absorb some of the downward energy, helping to cushion the blow and hopefully avoiding the reef below. From that first wipeout I knew it was going to be a tricky day and I spent the rest of the day picking out the best waves and trying not to crash.
