by Franck Gazzola | Apr 26, 2012 | Daily Updates
I don’t know what has gotten in to me lately. I’m surfing more and putting those things that I really need to do on the back burner, while I jump in the car and chase waves. It feels like I’m re-living my youth and my age is just a number which is currently unlisted. I think I will put my phone on silent to make sure I don't break the spell.
The ‘Day Trip’ is a wonderful thing. You can fly to Indo, Fiji or Hawaii and usually score amazing waves but it takes a little planning. The day trip, however, can be conceived and actioned in just a few minutes. No packing and travel agents, visas or injections. Just a car full of fuel, some boards on the roof and a few friends are all you need for a great time. It’s a mini holiday right there and then!
That beautiful east swell we just had caused me to take another one of those mini holidays to the Central Coast last Tuesday. Charismatic WCT surfer, Matt Wilkinson was on board this time, along with fellow born and bread Central Coast surfers, Damien Wills and Glenn ‘Micro’ Hall. We found some great, uncrowded little lefts to surf all day and for 4 frothing goofy footers, we couldn’t have asked for more!
Life is good!
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Apr 25, 2012 | Daily Updates
Freedom is something that most of us take for granted living in the lucky country. Today it has even more significance as we remember those that have fallen protecting our way of life and great land. Lest we forget!
While over here in Bali I picked up a cool little literature journal named Kurungabaa in which its content is inspired by history and ideas from the sea from writers and photographers from all around the world. I have pulled an excerpt from a story by writer Rebecca Olive's – Expression Session in volume 3.
" Surfing takes you places, asks you questions, opens up possibilities and shows you things you didn't expect. It connects you back to yourself through oceanic ideas, challenges and experiences, and describing all of this as freedom certainly makes poetic sense. The quintessential image is of one surfer on a wave, uninhibited, and limited only by their own imagination. It is truly in-toxicating " – Surfing is freedom.
I spent yesterday afternoon photographing people playing in the waves and being free at one of my favorite surf spots in the world. Racetracks, Uluwatu.
Enjoy your day off – Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Apr 24, 2012 | Daily Updates
Whoa, we had a huge response to yesterday's final chance at getting your hands on a SILathletics freebie. John Sullivan, Luke Dyer and Myall Stevens you can expect a special delivery as the lucky winners. Yew! But, don't forget SILathletics will be down at Bondi Markets or you can visit them online if you want to check out more of their stylin sport specific range.
It’s nice out there to today. Plenty of sun and a few small, clean peaks still hanging around, remnants of the swell which hit at the end of last week.
I’m heading north today, so I thought I would give you a look at the beautiful waves we had down the coast on Friday with WCT heavyweight, Owen Wright and friends. I failed to upload the report due to running out of laptop power on a bush track after the session.
I made my first trip to the South Coast of NSW at age 15 and I fell in love with it. I definitely don’t come down here enough anymore but every time I do, I re-live a little of my youth and remember why this place holds such an important place in my heart.
Have a great Anzac Day everyone. My Great Grandfather, Bruce Stewart was one of the fallen that never came home. I’ll be throwing a toss for him.
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Apr 23, 2012 | Daily Updates
Apparently Sydney copped a drenching last week, with the weather easing over the weekend, but it has come back for round two today. Maybe these pics will bring some extra warmth to your day. I'm on my last few days in Bali and this morning I had the opportunity to shoot small but fun Canggu.
I was lucky enough to be invited to drinks last night at Villa Istana, Uluwatu. I had to pick my jaw up off the ground upon arrival. If you have a lazy 2k for each night laying around then this place is for you! Unbelievable!
If you decide to escape from the miserable weather back home I recommend getting yourself one of SILathletics INCOGNITO surf shirts before you hit the tropics. We have one more of these bad boys to give away. Simply reply to this email with the INCOGNITO colour range and you could be a winner. Don't just stab in the dark – click HERE to find the correct answer. All winners will be announced in tomorrow's update, so get entering!
Mother's Day is hiding around the corner, so don't leave it too late to order her a special something. Our acrylic blocks are walking out the door, but if you want to place a custom order of the Mumma's fave image you'd better get cracking! Send us an email to [email protected] and we'll help you get a gift sorted.
Cheers – Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Apr 19, 2012 | Daily Updates
I love listening to the rain sometimes. It’s like a thousand little drummers busting out an endless solo on my side verandah awning. I was lagging in bed this morning, drifting in and out between dreams and reality. I knew there wouldn’t be a sunrise to capture so allowed myself a little recoup for a change, some needed rest after a couple of busy nights at the Fire Station. We always get busy when it’s wet. That’s one reason I don’t like the rain.
We have waves again! It’s around the 3-4ft mark with light northeast winds. Bondi was actually quite fun on the high tide with a few peaks off 2nd ramp and a right behind the reef. I guess in this weather, you could class the water as dirty but strangely, it didn’t smell or look it and that’s always a plus when you are swimming.
Tomorrow is going to be the day for surfing with light westerlies predicted and a kick in the period. The winds go south for Saturday, so maybe a road trip to a spot favouring the southerly would be the call. Otherwise Bronte or The Bra will be your best bet.
I found this little ‘tongue in cheek’ vimeo of WCT surfer and new Bondi resident, Matt Wilkinson, hamming it up with some mates as a rapper. He’s such a character and the few waves he rides, he rips them! Click HERE for a look.
I’ll be back tomorrow, probably with a late report, depending on where I end up shooting.
Cheers
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Apr 18, 2012 | Daily Updates
Yesterday we hired a huge 20m catamaran 'Aneecha' and ventured over to Nusa Lembongan, we had an unforgettable day. The weather was perfect. No swell. No wind. These conditions allowed for some of the best snorkelling I've ever done in my life. We were dropped off on the western side of Nusa Lembongan Island and drifted about 2km with the south setting current in Badung Strait- barely having to use our flippers. We had two dive masters from Bali Scuba for the day and their local knowledge and first hand experience in these waters was invaluable. Taking someone with this experience along for the day is highly recommended, as the currents can get up to 8 or so knots in the strait!
I learned a very interesting fact about the area between Bali and Nusa Lembongan yesterday. Have you ever heard about the Wallace Line? Read about it HERE.
Ooh, I just read the weather report for home in Sydney. Not nice! Maybe a good excuse to check out your next surf trip at Perfect Wave Travel. While you're at it go to SILathletics and pick yourself up one of their stylin' surf shirts, perfect for the tropics. Remember we have another one to give away, just hit us back with the colours the surf shirt comes in, find the answer- HERE.
Bill is back with you tomorrow – From Bali, Brad!
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