Bombora

Bombora is an indigenous Australian term for an area of large sea waves breaking over a shallow area such as a submerged rock shelf, reef, or sand bank that is located some distance from the shoreline and beach surf break. In slang it is also called a bommie.^[1]

As the wave passes over the shallow area its shape is raised and steepened, creating a localised wave formation.^[2] The size and shape of bombora waves makes them attractive to surfers willing to take the risk of riding what is generally considered a hazardous pursuit.

These formations can pose a significant danger even in good weather as a bombora may not be identifiable because it may not always have breaking waves.^[3]

The term Bombora was given wide circulation by the airing on ABC TV in 2009 of a documentary titled Bombora - The Story of Australian Surfing, which received a nomination for the 2010 Logie Awards in Australia.^[4][5] The documentary explored historical dimensions of the relationship between surf culture and Australian cultural identity.^[6][7]

Bombora was also the title of a popular music instrumental released in 1963 by Australian surf rock band The Atlantics.

Well known instances

• Dobroyd Bombora - in Sydney Harbour
• Jibbon Bombora - at Bundeena in the south of Sydney^[8]
• Outer Bombora - at Yallingup
• "The Bommie" - on the northern side of The Penguin's Head, Culburra Beach, NSW.

A bombora is also a term used for a sketchy surf spot where waves seem to break on the outside. For an example, see "Cow Bommie," a tow-in surf spot near Margaret River, in Western Australia.

See also

• Surf culture

References