by Franck Gazzola | Sep 14, 2012 | Daily Updates
September in the Basque Country (Euskadi) is a blessing. Back to school season means less crowd on the beach and in the water, while the weather still kicks ass, and water temperature flirts around 24 degrees.
So, here I am, a married man, proudly bringing you some shots from the amazing area of Guethary, in the French side of the Basque Country. Guethary, Bidart, St Jean de Luz have some of the greatest waves in the World, and certainly in Europe. Those waves have seen the birth of the surf culture in France in the late 50s/early 60s.
Today, surfing is a real culture there, just like in Australia. Good weather almost all year around, waves, outdoors: simple pleasures keeping people happy and healthy.
I have been spending time in the warehouses of VIRAL SURF in Bidart, specialist in surfboard making supplies. If you're in Europe and need ''spare parts'', blanks, tools, fins, painting, resins, glass fiber, you name it…VIRAL SURF is the one-stop shop !
We also bumped into Pilou Ducalme, one of Europe's finest big wave rider. Pilou's been the first one to shoot Belharra, paddling !! Belharra works only one in a looong while, when all conditions line up. But when it's on: it's a monster ! For the ones who don't know what Belharra looks like, have a look at this: it was one of Billabong's XXL challenge.
Next up-date Tuesday from the Cap Ferret.
Until then, have a nice week-end !
Franck
by Franck Gazzola | Sep 13, 2012 | Daily Updates
A very good morning to you! There were loads of people out and about at Bondi this morning. Lots of colour in the sky as well before a blanket of cloud moved into town.
Unfortunately the show is over on that south end bank at Bondi. It's no where near as good as yesterday that's for sure. It's about 3 ft but has a little bit of lump and bump on it and a fat inside section before dumping onto the shore. In saying that – it is still worth a surf. Make the most of what we've got because a south change is on the way and should rock in around lunch time. Bummer.
There will be waves all weekend. Sunday is shaping up to be the pick!
French Franck will be coming to you from the Basque country in France tomorrow. Can't wait to see what he has for us all!
R U OK?
😉 Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Sep 12, 2012 | Daily Updates
You could just tell after yesterday that this morning was going to be good. That pesky onshore wind was nowhere to be seen on sunrise. Instead, a nice north westerly was grooming the clean 4 foot lines that were pouring into our beaches for the early.
The left bank in the southern corner of Bondi, that we have been blessed with lately, is on fire right now with some dredging barrels, as the tide drops out to a lunch time low.
The wind will go northeast eventually, which won’t be too bad but it will take the edge off those clean little tubes.
Have fun people, I’m out there!
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Sep 11, 2012 | Daily Updates
The clouds rolled in this morning for the first time in a week or so. As much as I like the clear skies, it gets a little boring day after day, especially when trying to shoot a landscape photo before or during the sunrise. Cloud, as long as there is not too much, makes for great colours in the sky.
The surf has been pumping the last few days with Bondi being the spot. The swell has a 16 second period today, so we should be in for another good day or two of surf action for all you frothers.
Speaking of frothing. World renowned surf movie maker, Tim Bonython is bringing his award winning film Immersion – The Movie ‘The Re-Edit’ presented by Frothers, back to the East for two special showings. The first at North Bondi RSL on the 4th October at 8pm. The second at Randwick Ritz on the 14th October at 4:15pm.
The movie now includes the best ‘big wave paddle in session’ of all time at Cloudbreak in Fiji this year and it also contains Chris Bryan’s amazing slow motion Phantom camera footage of giant Teahupoo.
I wouldn’t miss this one boys and girls. It’s going to be off the hook! Check out the trailer HERE and see for yourself. For tickets, click HERE.
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Sep 10, 2012 | Daily Updates
I have a bit of a mixed bag for you on this fine morning. The swell is right up, the sun is out and it looks set to be yet another great day.
So the swell is romping in at about 5ft on the sets. It's from the south and has cleaned up a treat. Bondi looked fun but a bit of challenge at the same time. Most waves were big closeouts. The middy sized ones are best or even better get in the car and go searching!
I shot the Waverley Council Lifeguard team photo this morning. These are the boys in blue that will be looking after you in the water this summer. You know – when you snap a legrope on a big NE swell Tama and you suddenly realize you should be able to swim more than 50m in the pool. These guys will have your back and get you out of trouble.
How fun was the "Festival of the Winds" yesterday. Once you found a car park that is!
Got to run – Surf is pumping!
Brad
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