Definition of bombora

The word "bombora" is a surfing term that originated in Australia. It refers to an underwater rock or sandbar that temporarily stops waves from advancing, causing them to break violently. The term "bombora" is thought to have originated from the Aboriginal word "bumbara," meaning "a place where large ocean swells break." The first recorded use of the term "bombora" in surfing language was in the 1960s, attributed to Australian surfer Nick Carroll's father, Dave Carroll. The elder Carroll used the term "bombora" to describe a particularly powerful surf break he encountered on a family beach holiday in Queensland, Australia. Since then, the word "bombora" has gained popularity in surfing culture, particularly in Australia where it is widely used by surfers to describe waves that abruptly halt, creating a spectacular surfing experience. "Bombora" has become an integral part of Australian surfing lexicon, with some popular surf spots around the country being named after them. Over time, the term "bombora" has also gained wider recognition in the international surfing community, with its usage now commonly seen in surfing publications, books, and films. It has been cited as an example of Australian surfing slang, showing the richness and uniqueness of Aussie surf culture.