ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE BY SIMON WILLIAMS

LOCATION: SNAPPER ROCKS
DATE: MARCH, 2024
SURFER: MITCH PARKINSON

Snapper Rocks is an arena, a colosseum, scene of many a surf contest and epic free surf
session. It’s one of the most filmed, photographed, crowded and spectated surf breaks in
the world. Launch into a heaving set wave from behind the rock and you have an acute
sense of being watched – by other surfers paddling out, those hovering on the shoulder
waiting, crowds on the rocks and the beach. A memorable moment at Snapper has an
extremely good chance of being documented and witnessed by many pairs of eyes, which
adds to the feverish jockeying in the lineup. “It was late afternoon at Snapper. A crew had
posted up on the grass by the toilet block. Beers and banter were flowing fast,” recalls
photographer Simon Williams. “This without a doubt was a showstopper that arvo. Mitch is
in that pack of surfers that rule behind the rock at Snapper. 100% commitment.” Surfing is
often associated with a sense of isolation and solitary adventure in remote places. Mitch
Parkinson’s bold launch for glory during a glorious run of swell in early Autumn 2024 is
surfing at its most public and performative.