A video of surfer Tom Myers riding a large wave at Queenscliff Bombie in Manly went viral earlier this year, drawing international attention and leading to Myers winning the 2024/25 Men’s Ride of the Year at the Big Wave Challenge Awards in California. The footage captured him navigating a five-metre wave at one of Manly’s most challenging reef breaks.
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Queenscliff Bombie is located approximately one kilometre offshore from Queenscliff Beach. The reef break produces powerful left and right-hand waves and has hazards including rocks, strong rips, and sharks. The break requires advanced surfing experience and skill.
Myers, who manages two jobs and has a young family, called in sick from work to surf the swell. His ride impressed judges at the Big Wave Challenge Awards, where he competed against surfers at well-known big wave locations such as Mavericks in California and Jaws in Hawaii. The judges recognised both a single powerful wave and a second run, awarding him Men’s Ride of the Year.
Surfing commentator Bill Sharp described Myers as representing the “working man” style of big wave surfing, noting that his performance demonstrated skill while balancing life responsibilities. Myers had also previously ridden an almost identical wave at the same break in August, which was captured online and noted for its similarity to the April ride.
The award brings global recognition and potential sponsorship opportunities for Tom Myers, as well as acknowledgment from the international surfing community. The northern beaches surfing community was recently affected by the death of fellow surfer Mercury Psillakis, who died in a shark attack off Dee Why Beach. Myers recognised this event in media coverage while attending the awards.
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Myers’ achievements highlight the capabilities of surfers at Queenscliff Bombie, a reef break that requires precise timing and experience to safely navigate large swells.
Published 29-October-2025
