Masked Man on Jet-Ski Terrorises Foil Surfers in Sleepy Aussie Town

Tyres deflated, sinister notes left on windshields and jetski theatre!

A weekend foil contest in that prettiest of Australian surf towns, South West Rocks, also notable for hosting the country club where surf star Chris Davidson was killed in a one-punch assault, has turned the joint upside down after locals went on a bit of a heater, deflating competitors’ tyres, leaving threatening notes and, in a wonderful piece of theatre, launching a balaclava-wearing man on a jet-ski to deliver warnings to competitors mid-heat.

Last weekend, y’see, 100 competitors in the fast-growing sport of foiling, where men and woman glide god-like above the waves, descended on this small coastal town on New South Wales’ Mid North Coast for three days of competition.

The event, held May 8 through May 10, called Foilfest 2026, brought foilers and their families to the sheltered waters of Trial Bay.

“The conditions that lack the pulse needed for surfing are perfect for foiling,” one organiser explained to the Macleay Argus, describing the site selection as a deliberate effort to avoid conflict with local shredders.

Then someone drained the tyres.

While competitors’ vehicles were parked at Gap Beach, several returned to find their tyres deflated and notes left on their windscreens.

The messages were not welcoming.

Then, man on a jet-ski approached competitors wearing a balaclava and issued threats of “ramifications” before accelerating away.

No one called the cops, which is pretty cool, I think.

“There is always localism, and it is disappointing that some take matters into their own hands,” said one competitor, who asked not to be identified. “It is unnecessary and unpleasant. I doubt it will deter the positive vibe felt by everyone who attended, though. We had a great weekend. Thank you, South West Rocks.”