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Storm Surge Makes For Epic Red Bull Cape Fear Surfing Event

The biggest waves in the event's history.

Video footage supplied by Red Bull

As hundreds of people were being evacuated and rescued amid
on Australia's east coast, a bunch of extreme surfers were paddling out for the ride of their lives.

Big-wave surfing invitational competition Red Bull Cape Fear kicked off on Monday as 15ft waves pummelled the precarious event zone off Botany Bay in Sydney.

It's a little-known reef break that forms off the bay and slams into the headland.

As 16 surfers were towed onto the waves, crowds braved the squally weather to watch the extreme event from the cliff above.

Blake Thornton on a wave breaking close to rocks.
Matt Dunbar / Red Bull
Blake Thornton on a wave breaking close to rocks.

After competition leader Justen Allport wiped out and was taken to hospital, the event was postponed.

It resumed on Tuesday with waves at 8-10ft, slightly smaller than the king tides of Monday.

Maroubra surfer Blake Thornton said it was an intimidating wave.

Justen Allport is dwarfed by a wave.
Brett Hemmings / Red Bull
Justen Allport is dwarfed by a wave.

"I think everyone in the event would agree this is the biggest the cape has ever been surfed," Thornton said.

"I was really nervous before the event started, then once I got out on the back on the jet ski I was pumped up and ready to go.

Evan Faulks on a wave.
Brett Cummings / Red BUll
Evan Faulks on a wave.

"I didn't want to wait too long before I got my first wave because I knew the nerves would build again, and thankfully managed to get a good one early.

"Even though I got absolutely smashed at the end of the battle it's going to be a surf I remember for a long time, with one great wave and one of the worst wipeouts I've ever had."

Spectators around Botany Bay watching Cape Fear.
Brett Hemmings / Red Bull
Spectators around Botany Bay watching Cape Fear.

"Yesterday was one of the most incredible days of surfing I've ever seen," said Red Bull Cape Fear Contest Director Mark Mathews.

"The surf is a little bit more manageable today, so we're going to resume the contest with paddle and tow-in to decide the remaining two finalists. We'll have one very deserving overall Red Bull Cape Fear champion in a few hours."

The event is being streamed by Red Bull.

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