Happy Birthday Taj.

We tried sleeping off the day five celebrations this morning but the waves are too good. Taj was about to tear his own face off with excitement checking the surf. “These are my favourite days on earth,” He screamed. “Nothing is better than Rabbits when it’s like this.” It was Taj’s birthday today, the swell was pulsing, the wind was offshore at his home break and he was losing his mind. We dropped the jetski’s into the soup because the rip was moving through the line up making it almost impossible to stay on the button. The Scratching The Surface production team employed Damon “Smoke” Nicholls, Taj’s best mate, to pilot the jet ski. He put Taj on a birthday special to kick off the session. TB stalled and stood tall. The thing spat like nothing you’ve seen and the young(ish) man flew out. Julian was next. He let go of the rope on a monster, set his line and raced forever before scooting out a tight doggy door. “How good is this place?” psyched Jules after being vomited from another West Oz pit. The onshore picked up early. Taj was stoked. We headed for a nearby winery for lunch to celebrate his birthday. A ping-pong tournament of epic proportions ensues, photog Respondek and Smoke dominate the table. TB heads to Bali tomorrow. Julian will hang about for another day in the West to see what the waves are doing. Waves will be here to report. – Ronnie Blakey

Julian – gets set to film the cray fishing section of his movie.

All photos by the ruggedly awesome and charismatic Peter Boskovic.

Teebs – happy and celebrating.

Sweet chocolate Jesus this is an epic pit. Julian gets set to stand tall.

Somewhere is West Oz throws out an empty gem.

Tags: Julian Wilson, Scratching The Surface, Taj Burrow