Russell Bierke Doesn’t Need A Tow Rope For Solander

Russell Bierke is the guy who, on a big day, sits twenty feet deeper than the pack and takes off, impossibly late, on the biggest set of the day. Most of the time he makes them, and while the rest of the lineup undergoes a group aneurysm, Russ seems near unflappable in his emotional register. If you haven’t already seen Flow State, or BEZERKE or Vantage Points do yourself a favor and watch them now – Cooly navigating twenty foot cathedrals? It’s messed up.

Born in Oahu and raised on the South Coast of NSW, Russ’ exposure to heavy water began long before most had even fathomed the idea of paddling certain dicey waves better suited for tow. Russ’ father, Kirk Bierke, a renowned big wave specialist and shaper himself, was taking him surfing at premier big wave spots before he was issued his pen license. Russ’ skills saw him take out the psycho 2016 Red Bull Cape Fear event against Australia’s best big-wave veteran hellmen and qualify for the WSL big wave world tour. 

Watch his two-minute paddle masterclass at Kurnell’s finest deathslab.