Bombora facts for kids

A bombora is an Indigenous Australian word for a special kind of ocean wave. It's a place where big waves break over a shallow spot far from the beach. This shallow spot could be a hidden rock shelf, a coral reef, or a sand bank under the water. People sometimes call it a bommie for short.

When a wave travels over one of these shallow areas, it gets taller and steeper. This creates a unique wave formation. These large, powerful waves are very appealing to surfers. However, riding them can be quite risky.

Bombora waves can be dangerous even on a sunny day. This is because you might not always see them breaking. They can appear suddenly, making them a hidden hazard.

What is a Bombora?

A bombora is different from regular beach waves. It forms when ocean swells hit a shallow area far from the coast. Imagine a big underwater hill or shelf. As the wave passes over this shallow spot, it slows down and rises up. This makes the wave much bigger and more powerful.

Surfers who like big waves often look for bomboras. But these spots are also known for being tricky and dangerous. The waves can be very strong and unpredictable.

Bombora in Culture

The word "bombora" has become well-known in Australia. In 2009, a TV show called Bombora - The Story of Australian Surfing was shown on ABC TV. This documentary talked about how surfing is a big part of Australian culture. It even got nominated for an award!

"Bombora" is also the name of a popular song. It was an instrumental track released in 1963 by an Australian surf rock band called The Atlantics. This song helped spread the word "bombora" even further.

Sometimes, the term bombora is also used to describe a tricky surf spot. It's a place where waves seem to break far out at sea, often in an unexpected way.

Famous Bombora Spots

There are several well-known bombora locations, especially in Australia. These spots are famous for their unique and often challenging waves.

• Cowaramup Bombora ("Cow Bombie") is near Margaret River, Western Australia. It's known for huge waves. Surfers have won awards for riding the biggest waves here.
• Dobroyd Bombora is in Sydney Harbour, New South Wales.
• Jibbon Bombora is located at Bundeena, south of Sydney.
• Outer Bombora can be found at Yallingup, Western Australia.
• The Bommie is on the northern side of The Penguin's Head, at Culburra Beach, New South Wales.
• There are also bomboras near Killcare and Maitland Bay in Bouddi National Park, New South Wales.
• Queenscliff Bombora is another spot in Sydney, New South Wales.

See also

• Surf culture