by Franck Gazzola | Nov 28, 2011 | Daily Updates
It was a big weekend in the East. The Bondi Big Paddle went down in howling wind and rain but it didn’t seem to worry anyone as competitors gave it their all, producing some all time classic paddle battles. Congratulations to Whippet, Nicole and Gina for pulling off a great event in testing conditions. Race winners included – Duno, Bacon, Hoppo, Cory Oliver, Troy Quinlan and Pete Meyer. Big thanks to Ray White Unlimited, SUP Love and Bondi Icebergs for their support in sponsoring it.
By Sunday morning, all that nasty weather we suffered through for most of last week was gone and the sun was back to its blazing best. As a bonus, we were also blessed with a few, clean off shore N-E lines of swell.
A memorial was held and Bronte for one of the beaches great surfers from the 70’s, Gary Cronk. It was a huge roll up from the old crew and after a paddle out to spread Gary’s ashes, everyone settled into a great afternoon BBQ on the grass. Big thanks to Gary Mooney and Jay Carter for organizing the day and to Rob Bruns and The Bronte Boardriders Club for the loan of their equipment and support.
It’s going to be a beauty out there today, so don’t forget to slip, slop, slap. Have a great week everyone!
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 25, 2011 | Daily Updates
The dark skies and constant drizzle continue to roll through with no sign of easing. Only the real die hard's were out early this morning before the tide rolled in and killed it. Bondi looked like hard work with very weak wind effected 2 ft slosh burgers. On the brighter side it looks like the swell direction will swing round further to the E today and it might be wise to check back for a session after lunch. Good old Tama looks promising, while Maroubra should have a wave or two as well.
The Bondi Big Paddle is on tomorrow. If you back yourself as a bit of an ocean paddler then this is the race for you. Conditions are looking very interesting and it's going to be a hard slog back from Coogee against the wind. This is where the race will be won or lost! Kick off is at 8am. Registration is open from 6.30am
If you've been thinking about getting into photography but need some gear to get started why not check out these kit options from Fotoriesal. They have some really good deals going at the moment!
Our gallery is open all weekend from 9am to 4pm at 145C Macpherson St Bronte. We have some great options for your xmas shopping list, including framed prints from $60, Acrylic blocks from $100 and greeting cards from $5. Come and check it all out!
Have a fun weekend! – Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 23, 2011 | Daily Updates
Hump day has thrown us an ordinary curve ball today. The weather has been dismal and I've got some soggy boots but, on the upside, we only have two more sleeps until the weekend! After aimlessly searching for inspiration out there this morning, I decided to dive into my hard drives and I've compiled some oldies to keep you interested. I've captured these images over the last 5 years since I discovered my passion for photography.
The wind has shifted round to the south and from here on in the swell should build through the day. There should be some fun onshore lumps to hit at Bondi later on as the banks are in good shape.
If the rain on the roof makes you feel dreary today I suggest diverting your attention to our image galleries. Not only can you daydream of sunshine and perfect waves, but a day like today is the perfect opportunity to finalize your Christmas order. To be sure your loved one will have their framed image under the tree on the big day, Christmas orders need to be in by next week.
Looking to book a surf trip? We're heading to the Caroline Islands on the 23rd January 2012 and want you to join us. Perfect Wave Travel have come up with a surf experience with a difference. A tropical paradise that is only visited by 150 international tourist per year. Yep empty line ups and plenty of barrels! Contact us for more info.
Adios amigos – Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 22, 2011 | Daily Updates
Since taking the reports daily a few months ago, the web site traffic has increased. We are also getting quite a following on our Facebook page and have a large UK audience who are very enthusiastic and like to comment on our shots. They are always expressing how beautiful it looks here on our beaches and how lucky we are to live here. They sometimes describe how miserable the weather is there and you know they’re not lying. We have it way better down under and I always reflect on those comments whenever it’s a little dreary outside and I’m lacking motivation.
I was thankful it wasn’t raining when I left the house this morning. The streets were wet when I left for the beach and it looked like more rain wasn’t far off. Lately, luck has been with me on the mornings I shoot. Every time I think I am in for a right off, things go my way; the rain holds off or the sun even pops out for a while. This morning I had more luck when some hot groms paddled out, adding a little flare to the small conditions with their little weight, new school turns. The rest of us need a longboard or a fat fish to get though the powerless dribble.
The tiny swell is with us for another day at least. We should see a little bump up in the swell but these beautiful light winds will turn south and it will be quite cool. Keep some rubber handy.
Cheers
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 21, 2011 | Daily Updates
The wave drought continues today. It's tiny out there and there is nowhere worth recommending today, unless of course your a super flyweight or have a classic old log locked up in the shed. If that's the case then today is your day! Just ask Bec who was ripping this morning at Bondi on her longboard.
We will be left scratching our heads as to what to do in the mornings until Wednesday at least when we should see the south wind stir up the pond and deliver some onshore bumps. Ben Mc from Coastalwatch is saying 3 – 4 ft. Better than nothing! We'll take that.
Top temp of 23 and showers developing they say. You might need your umbrella tomorrow as well.
The 1st heat of this years Miss Bondi was on yesterday. Bill Kriketos was there to catch some of the action in between beers.
Have a great day – Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 18, 2011 | Daily Updates
It seems like the population around Bondi and Bronte, has over the last two weeks or so, doubled with Sculptures by the Sea operating around the area. However, the weekend finale of the event is finally here and while it has been a great presentation this year, I think I can hear most of the locals already starting to sing, hallelujah!
So, soon enough the massive skeleton sitting on the ladder will climb down and the giant picture frame that you stood behind and posed for a silly photo, while hordes of people gawked at you, will be gone and the parks and headlands will once again begin to resemble some sort of normality by sometime next week. You will also finally be able to find a parking spot close to the beach again! Well, maybe not, but the runners on the coastal track should have the smiles on their dials back again at least.
Nice little waves again this morning, with the emphasis on ‘little’. It doesn’t look too promising either with more small waves on the menu, as far as the swell charts look at this stage. What swell there is will slowly swing more east, as the wind swings that way as well and will finally settle out of the north for the weekend. Another hot one coming guys so don’t forget your togs and towel. It should at least be nice for a dip.
Play safe out there and have a fabulous weekend!
Billy
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