Wild waves draw in thrillseekers

John McGrath rides a wild wave at Yeppoon’s Main Beach yesterday.

Allan Reinikka AR--

Photos

Cyclone Ului - in pictures

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Further information

Local weather forecast

Bureau of Meteorology warnings

THRILLSEEKER John McGrath took advantage of choppy conditions at Yeppoon’s Main Beach in the aftermath of cyclone Ului yesterday.

The Yeppoon kayaker, who had the waves to himself, rode the swell for several hours during yesterday’s high tides.

“It hasn’t been the best cyclone weather. But it’s been challenging with 30 knot winds,” John said after capsizing during a wild run of waves.

The 35-year-old said although the surf didn’t get as big as expected, conditions were fun.

“It was more about fun than survival.”

The ex-mountaineer said he had been tracking the system’s movements since it first became a low.

“I was excited when I saw the low develop and checked it out a few times a day.”

John, who competes at the Sunshine Coast, said he loved the surf and while out in the water he captured all the action through a video camera on his helmet.

The beach was closed to swimmers during high tides, but re-opened at 1pm.