Adrian “Taco” Kovacic, a carpenter and part-time professional surfer from Sydney’s eastern suburbs, has once again proven his dedication to chasing extreme surf. Known for his willingness to tackle conditions that most avoid, Taco recently set his sights on Tasmania’s infamous big-wave break — Shipstern Bluff.
Kovacic, who often competes in regional Qualifying Series (QS) events, is equally known for his off-the-radar solo missions. Among his many feats is a documented paddle from Clovelly to Bronte in Sydney, during which he took on a 15- to 20-foot swell alone.
His latest challenge brought him to Shipstern Bluff, a remote and dangerous slab on Tasmania’s rugged southeast coast. Determined to earn the respect of the tight-knit Tasmanian surf community, Taco opted for the grueling 1.5-hour hike to the break, carrying a full backpack and two surfboards.
The walk is no casual bush stroll — it’s a serious endurance test, especially with the return journey looming after a heavy session in cold, slabby surf. On his first attempt, Taco made the trek before dawn, alone, hoping to find other surfers already in the water. Instead, he arrived to an empty line-up.
He waited for three hours before a passing hiker offered to act as a spotter. “They said, ‘Don’t worry if anything happens, I’ve got an EPIRB,’” Taco recalled with a laugh. But despite the kind gesture, the vulnerability of surfing Shippies solo proved daunting. Fellow big-wave surfer and local legend Marti Paradisis had already warned him against paddling out alone. “I didn’t really get a proper session,” Taco admitted.
On his return trip, however, things lined up better. He met fellow surfers in the carpark and joined them on the trek. The swell was more promising, and he knew that two mates from Sydney — Chase Hardaker and Max McGuigan — would be arriving with a jet ski, providing additional support.
That day, the line-up included around six paddle surfers and a few towing in. It was far from easy, but Taco stayed focused and committed. “It was really tough, but I kind of got the waves I wanted,” he said.
The highlight came when he successfully paddled into a powerful wave, which was captured by seasoned photographer Sam Venn. The image shows Taco deep inside a heavy Shipstern barrel, the dramatic bluff framing the background — a striking visual of triumph and grit.
For Taco, it was more than just another surf session. It was the reward of persistence, preparation, and quiet determination — a hard-earned moment that summed up his approach to big-wave surfing.