The intense low-pressure system that hit Sydney last week caused significant damage to the city’s beaches, resulting in ruined shorelines and eroded sand. However, it also contributed to the conditions that likely produced the largest wave ever surfed at Bondi Beach.

Surfer Chase Hardaker said he took the day off to go out surfing.

“Frothing to be able to surf it, put it that way,” he said.

Goldfin would catch Hardaker in motion before the motion of the ocean would catch him.

“Unfortunately when I did hit the bottom, is when the wave hit me at the same time,” he said

“It was not really the first wave, it’s the second one that landed on my head when I was already out of breath, then the third and the forth.”

Even for a years-long Bondi lifeguard, it would be a lesson learnt about what can be the cruel sea.

“It was a good wake up call cause I didn’t realise Bondi could do that to me,” he said.

“It was just the pure, raw energy of mother nature that one.”

But thanks to Goldfin, Hardaker can claim the biggest wave ever ridden at Bondi Beach

“I’m sure there’s old school Bondi guys and Bronte guys that have surfed and charged here all their lives. They don’t have the evidence mate.

“They don’t have the evidence, so that’s the difference.”