National

Shark debate

Opinion

Malcolm Knox Journalist, author and columnist September 12, 2025 — 3.50pm

The stretch of surf breaks where Mercury Psillakis was taken by a white shark last Saturday is called No Man’s Land, or Poles, for a large rusty pipe standing in the sand.

For Sydney, No Man’s is isolated. Midway along the 1.8-kilometre stretch between Dee Why and Long Reef, it appeals to many surfers because it requires a decent walk from car parking. That means fewer people. From the water you look onto hectares of scrub around Dee Why Lagoon rather than beachfront development, which adds a country feel to a city spot.

Psillakis exemplified how the best boardriders are often the most easy-going. They’ll get their waves, and don’t bring petty insecurities into the water. I’v

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