Australia Weather News

Dozens of surfers have relished the opportunity of rare waves off Western Australia's far north, with ex-Tropical Cyclone Luana behind the swell.

Cars lined the sand on Gantheaume Beach in Broome, as spectators and photographers caught a glimpse of surfers battling stormy weather. 

Conditions at the beach are usually flat, calm and glassy, but wind and rain from Luana, which crossed over the weekend as a category two system, stirred up more swell than normal. 

Luana is currently a tropical low tracking inland and is expected to bring heavy rain to WA's interior in coming days. 

'Definitely a miracle'

Broome resident Jac Coltman said it was great to see everyone out in the water.

"It seems like everyone gets out when there's been a big storm, since it's the only time it brings in some good swell," Mr Coltman said.

"There's a real big current at the moment … so people are catching a few good ones. There is a bunch of people getting some really good waves."

The prospect of irukandji jellyfish, crocodiles and sharks, all potential hazards of Broome's waters during the wet season, did not deter those keen to catch a wave.

"I'm more scared of irukandji than crocodiles, but there's a lot of swell so it'll push all them out," Mr Coltman said.

Kalani Henwood said while conditions could be better, for Broome, it was pretty good.

"Every morning we're waiting, waiting for high tide, checking to see if there's surf … so it's made us all happy and made the town pretty happy too," Ms Henwood said. 

"It's definitely a miracle, thank God. Everyone's been waiting for it."

She said this was the first time she was able to get a decent surf after a year living in town. 

"Bit washy, bit windy, bit of a hard paddle out, but it's fun … it's good to see everyone get out and be there together," Ms Henwood said. 

'Brave souls'

Photographer Michael Torres, who runs a local surf account on Instagram, said he believed the surfing community was growing in Broome.

"A couple of days ago, I counted about 60 out there on the water, so it's definitely grown over the last few years," Mr Torres said.

"Good to see a lot of young people getting out there and a lot of the girls getting out there as well."

When describing the conditions since the cyclone, Mr Torres said it was definitely rougher than usual.

"Bit messy and windy, but a couple of brave souls out there … a lot of swell, big dumpers and wind," he said.

"There's only a few of us taking photos out here, and it is unique getting the cyclone swell, so just doing my part taking photos for everyone."