Nightcliff Surfers

Don’t Let Crocs or Storms Stop Them

Suppose you’ve ever been down to Nightcliff during the wet season. In that case, you’ve probably seen something that looks crazy: dozens of surfers out in the water near the jetty, even when the sky’s dark and stormy. And yep, they know crocodiles have been spotted around there. But that doesn’t stop them. These surfers are locals who love the thrill, and the wet season is their favourite time to hit the waves.

While most people stay indoors during those wild monsoonal downpours, this crew grabs their boards and heads straight for the sea. The waves get rough, the wind picks up, and the ocean gets that stormy mood—apparently perfect for surfing. They don’t mind the rain, the lightning, or croc warnings. To them, it’s all part of the fun. It’s like their version of extreme sports, Top End style.

The photos I took from the 2018 wet season show how many surfers were there. You can see them all lined up in the water near the jetty, even as the sky is about to burst open. It’s honestly pretty epic. They’re not reckless, they love surfing and aren’t about to let some rough weather or a crocodilus scare keep them away.

That’s what makes Nightcliff such a unique spot. The people here aren’t afraid of a bit of danger (or a lot of it). These surfers know the sea can be wild, but that’s precisely why they’re drawn to it. It’s not just about catching waves, it’s about doing what you love, even when most or I would say, “Yeah nah, mate.” And honestly, that’s what living in the Territory is all about. Note that this post is not about encouraging anyone to take the risk, but giving you the facts.