Surfers paddle out in protest

Surfers reacted with enthusiasm to last week’s call for a paddle-out to voice opposition to a deep-sea oil operation proposed off the Great Australian Bight.

Organisers of Saturday’s paddle-out protest said more than 250 people gathered at Gnarabup as part of the protest against Norwegian company Equinor’s plan.

Co-organiser Tracey Muir from Surfrider Margaret River said the water rang out with ocean lovers “saying no to big oil”.

“I was inspired by the number of people who came out on the day to show how much they care,” Ms Muir said. “The feeling on the day was electric, everyone from toddlers to long-time surfers paddling out together. We all want a clean ocean.”

Local photographers including drone operator Scott Bauer captured stunning images on the day.