Update 12th February 2013

These morning shots are all about dedication.

Dedication to wake-up before sunrise, whilst the rain softly taps onto the windows, making you feel comfy in bed, to walk the dog, thinking ''why didn't I buy a cat ?!''. Dedication to put a wettie on, and get a fews before work, even though you know it's gonna be junk (uncrowded, but junk). Dedication to keep training hard, being soaked before even starting warming up. Dedication to run the extra mile or swim the extra strokes. Dedication to put the boots on, knowing it's gonna pour all day on your shoulders.

Dedication to wake-up, pack the camera gear and get down to the beach, even though you know that colours will be dull, that shooting in the rain is a nightmare for the gear, and that your minutes to do so are counted.

But because despite the weather you guys commit to wake-up every day, to surf, run, cycle, swim, train, walk…we commit as well to bring you the shots of the day.

Have a nice day.

Franck

Update 11th February 2013

Don’t you just love this crazy Summer weather? One moment you’re swimming in a sheltered, picture perfect North Bondi and the next you’re copping a sand blasting from a howling southerly change that has you running to your BMW or scooter to escape!! Then later, just while you're relaxed and taking your first sip of your favorite frothy amber while watching the cricket, the evening thunderstorm hits and has you hanging off the ceiling!!

The N-E wind swell that was producing some fun waves for Tama and Maroubra is also just a memory now and it looks like ugly surf and weather conditions will remain for the rest of the week.

I expected it to be raining this morning and many must have had the same prediction. The coastline was fairly bare, with not too many making the effort to get out and about it in what turned out to be a fairly reasonable morning.

Bondi actually had a few fun 3 foot lefts on the rising tide and the few who made the effort scored what turned out to be, a very un-crowded early surf.

Billy
 

Up-date 8th February 2013

It’s a cracking Summer morning ! And if you make your way to Bronte, Tama or Maroubra, you could even get some surfing action ! What else could you ask for ?!…(yeah ok…I know: a couple million $, an understanding wife, a penthouse in front of the surf break…)

Since the swell was on the low end of the scale, I reckoned I’d explore an area where surfcrafts are not allowed. And I must say that I quite liked it. The place was bubbling from 5:45am ! Fitness ! Fitness ! Fitness ! ‘’C’mon ! 2 more !’’ ‘’Stay strong ! That’s it !’’ ‘’Don’t think about the pain ! Think about the gain !’’…Boot camp Central.

Making my way back to Bronte, I found some cute 2 footers, relatively clean, enough to have some fun in this warm water. And if you open your eyes, you might see this massive pod of dolphins hanging around. I haven’t been in Australia for too long, but that was the largest pod I’ve ever seen. I’d say maybe 30 to 50, when usually they hang out in groups of 5 to 15. Unfortunately, they did not jump too much or surfed during the time I was there…and my zoom limitations did not allow me to capture a good shot of them. You might be luckier if they stick around for the day.

Swell (and wind) are on the rise for the week end. Tomorrow seems to be a winner. I hope you’ll enjoy !
Have a nice day
Franck
 

Update 7th February 2013

Good morning Frothers! Brad had to dash off early today, so I'm taking the helm & attempting to put together the surf report for you. By the looks of things there is not too much surf about, with a rather full tide this morning, leaving the longboarders to rule at Bondi. But the regular shortboarders still enjoyed a golden morning on the beach, opting for a nice dip instead.

Myself, I waddled down with my big belly to Bronte & floated around in the Bogey Hole. The water is a fantastic temp and if you are lucky enough to have the morning off you must get down to the beach and enjoy! If not, no worries. The weekend's shaping up to have a few waves thanks to an oncoming north east windswell, so there should be something to slide on over the weekend to make you smile.

I hope you have a fantastic day! 

Christie

Update 6th February 2013

Finding a park around the beaches early sometimes is a little frustrating, especially when you’re late for a sunrise shot. It seemed like everyone rocked up before sunrise today to enjoy the beautiful, windless Feb morning. You’ve got to love Summer, especially the end of it. It’s my favorite time of year.

I was surprised to see waves today but there are still a few. It’s not big and has dropped a little more but it’s a clean 2-3 feet. Clean as in water surface, not so clean with as far as the seaweed goes. The stuff is inhabiting most of the wave zones after that big swell the other day and it’s a pain in the butt to surf through, especially wearing a legrope. Hopefully it will dissipate quickly over the next week or so and get us back into some clear, blue water again.

Congrats to all the winners of this week’s Bondi Openair Cinema comp, including Sam & Beau from yesterday! Tonight’s Take 3 screening of ‘Minds in the Water’ & ‘Here & Now’ is looking to be a cracker! Get down there! Info HERE.

Billy