by Franck Gazzola | Feb 3, 2012 | Daily Updates
It has cleaned up overnight, but the dark sky is still looming. Wave heights are hitting the 3 ft mark and it looks fun with the light winds. Both Bronte and Bondi have reasonable waves rolling through and I'd expect Maroubra to have a few as well today. At least there is no chance of getting sunburnt in this weather.
Today's main pic is of my good mate John McKelvey, who has recently returned from a trip to Fiji. I thought I'd throw it into the mix today just to keep our spirits up and to show you what Johny Maddog is really made of. I'm sure you will all agree that the thought of this wave at Tavy Rights makes us want to jump on the next flight out of here. If you do, give my mates at Namotu Island Resort a call.
John John Florence beat Jamie O'Brien in the dying seconds of the Volcom Pro Final at Pipeline. Check it
Have a good day – Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Feb 2, 2012 | Daily Updates
It's miserable out there yet again today. When will it ever stop? It is easily becoming the worst summer I've ever experienced in all of my quick 34 years. I had a drive around early and for the first time in a while I came up short. Not enough to put together a report, but lucky for me and all of us for that matter Bill shot a few frames late last night down at North Bondi.
The swell kicked halfway through yesterday and kept building into the late afternoon. Bondi took the brunt of it getting up to 4 – 5ft. There was a fun wave in kiddies corner at north end, while the more experienced took on a nice right hander further down towards the middle providing some fun ramps for Perth and Justin.
The SE wind is tearing into the remnants of yesterdays swell and to be honest looks like a bit of a mess. Plenty of storm water pollution around to. Have a day off!
Lets hope this weather improves soon.
Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Feb 1, 2012 | Daily Updates
While the strong southeast wind was chewing up the ocean, a dark and dirty sky hovered over my head threatening rain at any moment. I stood there shivering in a t-shirt, wondering if the two pro surfers I had arranged to meet this morning at 6 am would actually bother to show. It was only a few seconds before I had the answer as my iphone vibrated in my pocket revealing a text from Perth which read, “Can you bring me some blu-tack for my ear, it hurts?” It was on!
After picking up Perth and Jerome at Bondi, we headed straight for Bronte. It was the only place that would hold some protection from the ugly wind. I made the mistake of saying “I hope it doesn’t rain” as we drove around past Mackenzie’s and as soon as we walked down the path to Bronte, I had to run for a shed to hide in as it came tumbling down. The surf was atrocious by any standards but the boys made it look good, as only pro surfers can in conditions like that. With big airs and carves, the boys put in a solid hours performance. It was really enjoyable to shoot.
In a rush to get the report out yesterday, I mistakenly credited Dan Hutton, the editor of The Beast as being the videographer of the incredible short video – Bondi Beach NYE 2011/12 SHORETHING music festival. It was actually the work of Marcus O’Brien. Sorry Marcus. I actually know Dan and as much as I’m sure he is a fine shooter himself, I think he would admit that he would be pushing it up hill to beat this one. For those that missed it yesterday. CLICK HERE for a look.
Cheers – Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Jan 31, 2012 | Daily Updates
There were a few really nice waves at Bronte for the late session last night. A few crazy slabs that only the better skilled were making and there were some heavy air drop wipeouts too.
Local hero and recently crowned Jim Beam Australian Club Champion, Caleb Reid was ripping last night and this morning, pulling some great aerials. The Bronte boys are on fire right now after their State team win last week. It’s amazing how such a small beach has such great depth in surfing talent. Go Bronte!
This El Nina weather pattern sure has the cloud pouring over our heads regularly this summer and as much as I love the sun, for a photographer, it’s really making for some nice colour in the sky with regularly beautiful sunrise and sunsets. Hopefully this weather pattern will produce a few more cyclones soon as well like they have been predicting.
I stole this little video from our friends at The Beast’s website. Marcus O'Brien is such a talented videographer, I really love his ‘Pure Bronte’ and ‘Hometown Tama’ vid’s he did last year. Check it out!
Have a good one!
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Jan 30, 2012 | Daily Updates
That north wind was fresh last night wasn't it! It must have hit the 30 knot mark for sure. At least it has stirred up the pond and whipped up 3 ft of windy whoppers for us.
Bondi is missing all the action. Tama and Maroubra will be where it's all at today. The wind has eased since last night and will continue to do so throughout the day meaning the late could be the shizzle. If it gets up to 30 degrees as forecast today you'll be amped for a wave!
Pipeline in Hawaii is pumping at the moment for the Volcom Pipe Pro. Check the LIVE BROADCAST.
Have a great day – Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Jan 27, 2012 | Daily Updates
I hope everyone had a great Australia Day yesterday. It was a fairly consistent and ordinary to start, with dark clouds and rain until lunch time, before the sun decided to made a couple of brief appearances just to show you it hadn’t permanently bailed on us for a different solar system.
I guess there are a few sore heads out there this morning and I bet a few of you have decided to make it a long weekend. If so, don’t expect to get too much of surf in to fix that hangover. Its mush buggers again I’m afraid with this horrible ESE wind back to haunt us.
The weekend should be just as bad as it has been for waves and weather but except the winds swing back to the NE tomorrow. At least that means you will be able to enjoy a sheltered, blue bottle free swim at North Bondi, if you are up for it.
Have a great weekend!
Billy
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