Mikey Brennan came a hair’s breadth close to what could have been a horrifying accident recently. He sure has one of the most experienced feet when he steps on the paddleboard. But when an 8m tall swell crashed over him, fate momentarily played a mightier part than his skill.

Surfing sure has its thrills, but experiences like these send chills to one’s bones. As for Mikey, this will not be the first time his surfing escapade has ended in a near-death experience. Well, the recent escape refreshed the memories of his nightmarish accident in 2010.

Mikey Brennan averted a major mishap at Shipstern Bluff

While Mikey Brennan confessed, he was just out surfing at Shipstern Bluff ‘for fun,’ but his venture had a rather disastrous end. Amidst surfing, Brennan got caught up in a massive 8-meter aka approximately 25-foot-tall, wave that crashed onto him. An onlooker recorded the incident from inside the water, which is enough to send shudders down one’s spine. “I’m amazed I’m still alive,” his words after the incident reflect his state of shock.

For a few seconds, Mikey Brennan had disappeared from the camera frame, underneath gallons of water. As he reappeared, evidently struggling, a jet ski zoomed in to his rescue. Luckily, it only wound down to a minor concussion and a few bruises after he was rushed to the hospital. All this is familiar yet different. He recalled, that back in 2010, another Tasmanian wave caught up to him at Governor Island. But, there’s no two about the fact that this one was more grave.

He confessed, “To be honest, [the Shipstern wipeout] was the closest to death because even when I broke my back on the east coast at Governor, I was conscious for the whole time. It was equally as dangerous, but like this was just being knocked out and going unconscious. I really can’t quite explain it.” However, the ocean is his favorite place to be, and he vows he’ll come back. “I was pushing it. I knew that I was pushing it against my fear, and I guess you have to be willing to go into that place, and that’s what I did.”

But, as surf buffs know, Shipstern Bluff is not the place for a casual surfing outing. The mechanics of the surfline make it one of the most dangerous ones in the world.

Shipstern Bluff, a lion’s den

If one wants to surf at this location, they truly have to go above and beyond—literally and figuratively. This surf location can only be accessed by a 30-km ride through the waters or by a two-hour hike through the Tasman National Park. Thus, it is much of a remote location, one can say. Also, there are other factors like the frequent spotting of sea creatures and wild slabbing waves that add to the element of danger. Imagine waves up to 10 meters, which equals to a four-story building, are normal here.

And Mikey Brennan was no exception; the location has witnessed multiple accidents over the years. Back in 2023, surfer Danny Griffiths was navigating the deep blues at Shipstern when he faced an identical wipeout. After he lost balance, he fell into the water before somersaulting forward by the monstrous force. Even Nathan Florence could not escape an accident here, although he suffered just a minor injury.

But things weren’t as easy for Dylan Longbottom. His encounter with the Tasmanian wave left him hospitalized with broken ribs, punctured lungs, and internal bleeding. While Brennan remained unconscious for a bit after the fall, his moments of awareness allowed him a glimpse of what he confessed was ‘the biggest wave’ he ever caught. But it won’t be mighty enough to make him dread a comeback. What do you think of this notorious surf location? Share your thoughts below!