Bombora

For other uses, see Bombora (disambiguation).

Bombora is an Indigenous Australian term from the Eora language^[1] for sea waves breaking over a shallow area such as a submerged rock shelf, reef, or sand bank that is located away from the shoreline and beach surf break. In slang, it is also called a bommie.^[2]

As the wave passes over the shallow area its shape is raised and steepened, creating a localised wave formation.^[3] 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.^[4]

The term bombora was given wide circulation in 2009 on ABC TV with the airing of a documentary that received a nomination for the 2010 Logie Awards in Australia.^{[5][full citation needed][6][7]} The documentary explored historical dimensions of the relationship between surf culture and Australian cultural identity.^[8][9]

"Bombora" is also the title of a popular music instrumental released in 1963 by Australian surf rock band The Atlantics.

The term bombora is also used for a sketchy surf spot where waves seem to break on the outside.

Well known instances

• Cowaramup Bombora (or simply Cow Bombie) – near Margaret River, Western Australia, location of the 2011 and 2015 Oakley Biggest Wave award-winning rides.^[10][11]
• Dobroyd Bombora – in Sydney Harbour, New South Wales.
• Jibbon Bombora – at Bundeena in the south of Sydney.^[12]
• Outer Bombora – at Yallingup, Western Australia.
• "The Bommie" – on the northern side of The Penguin's Head, Culburra Beach, New South Wales.
• Killcare and Maitland Bay bomboras in Bouddi National Park, New South Wales.
• Queenscliff Bombora – in Sydney, New South Wales.

See also

• Australia portal

• Surf culture