Team Rider Kelly Nordstrom tames Shippies...

Picture: MATHEW TILDSLEY

Our own Kelly Nordtrom yesterday achieved what most surfers will never achieve in their lifetime riding a wave at monster-surf hotspot Shipstern Bluff.

Kelly Nordstrom has long been earmarked as a rising star in the sport, and yesterday proved his mettle at the famed break.

With the assistance of the best surfers at Shipstern, he has become the youngest person to conquer the wave.

"It was by far the biggest wave I've ever surfed. I can't believe it really," he said.

When Kelly's mother Ange Nordstrom heard the news she was in disbelief, asking him multiple times to repeat what she had just heard.

Long-time big wave charger Danny Griffith piloted the jet ski that guided Kelly into the waves.

Surfing Tasmania's state coach Dustin Hollick said the milestone is a great thing for the sport of surfing, and to see the next generation making the most of the waves in Tasmania was satisfying.

"It's great to see Kelly succeed at this I know how fulfilling it is to get your first wave out there so I'm just stoked for him."

Kelly has clearly raised the bar for junior surfing and onlookers will watch with great anticipation to see what he takes on next.

SHAUN WALLBANK