Bombora
Encyclopedia
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.
As the wave passes over the shallow area its shape is raised and steepened, creating a localised wave formation. 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.
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 gnarly tow-in surf spot near Margaret River, in Western Australia. http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/Australia_Pacific/Australia/WA/Margaret_River_North/cow_bombie/index.html
Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians are the original inhabitants of the Australian continent and nearby islands. The Aboriginal Indigenous Australians migrated from the Indian continent around 75,000 to 100,000 years ago....
term for an area of large sea waves
Ocean surface wave
In fluid dynamics, wind waves or, more precisely, wind-generated waves are surface waves that occur on the free surface of oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and canals or even on small puddles and ponds. They usually result from the wind blowing over a vast enough stretch of fluid surface. Waves in the...
breaking over a shallow area such as a submerged rock shelf, reef
Reef
In nautical terminology, a reef is a rock, sandbar, or other feature lying beneath the surface of the water ....
, or sand bank that is located some distance from the shoreline and beach surf break.
As the wave passes over the shallow area its shape is raised and steepened, creating a localised wave formation. The size and shape of bombora waves makes them attractive to surfers
Surfing
Surfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
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.
Well known instances
- Dobroyd Bombora - in Sydney Harbour
- Jibbon Vombora - at BundeenaBundeena, New South WalesBundeena is a village on the outskirts of southern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Bundeena is located 29km south of the Sydney central business district and is part of the local government area of the Sutherland Shire....
in the south of SydneySydneySydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people... - Outer Bombora - YallingupYallingup, Western AustraliaYallingup is a town in the South West region of Western Australia, south of Perth. Yallingup is a popular tourist destination because of its beaches and limestone caves, and proximity to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.-History and industry:...
- "The Bommie" - of 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 gnarly tow-in surf spot near Margaret River, in Western Australia. http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/Australia_Pacific/Australia/WA/Margaret_River_North/cow_bombie/index.html