by Franck Gazzola | Nov 17, 2011 | Daily Updates
Not much chop today, folks. I hope you didn’t get up early to take a sunrise photo this morning. I also hope you didn’t expect to see one here today either because I'm very sorry, it’s not happening. I could pull one out from the files and sometimes, on days like today I get very tempted to do just that but I'm going to man up and stick with what I've shot this morning. I think most of you prefer to see fresh images and whether it's bland or not, at least it's today.
Even though it was raining lightly as I trod the strangely desolate coastal walk from Bronte to Bondi, which has recently been so full of meandering crowds, it was nice to see a few local groms out before school, ripping up the small left and right peak in the centre of Tamarama. As I rounded the headland at Mackenzies and made my way into The Boot, I could see in the distance an older crew of longboarders also out splitting a small peak at South Bondi. Diversity on both sides of the coin.
However, this small surf is becoming a little boring but at least the wind was non existent and that makes it so much nicer. If you are keen to get wet today, a log or a fish will more than likely still get you your fix. There isn’t to much on the radar for swell in the near future unfortunately. So if you normally ride a short, like myself, but feel it’s a struggle in these tiny conditions, the reliance on alternative surf riding craft will continue until we get something more decent. You never know what tomorrow will bring and I will be back in the morning to give you a run down once more before the weekend.
Have a great day!
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 16, 2011 | Daily Updates
Today's report by our guest photog – Jay Harrison
It's the 5th straight day of crap waves and I get the call up from Frothers HQ to take some photos. Half a foot of good for nothing wind-swell with grey skies, mozzies and flies and I had to get up at 5.30am for less than my day rate. All for the love of photography. Well there was a lot of us out there this morning, more photographers than surfers today.
When I asked The Froth if I could use the Frothers' helicopter to do some aerial shots they told me the 'copter is only for the regular shooters and to go stand on a cliff and shoot downwards…. so I did that. Anyway, no blue water barrels and hot girls basking in the sun today. Just a bunch of underexposed arty photos (damn auto exposure), with Sculptures by the Sea and some other stuff. BTW have you seen the most expensive photograph ever? Check it HERE – Andreas Gursky, $4,338,500 at a Christie's, that's right the Rhein 2 fetched over 4 million and is 1 of 6 copies. So get in quick to the Frothers Gallery and get yourself a print before they get ridiculously expensive.
No surf for a while so check out this Vid of Tom Whitaker and mates from a memorable swell this winter. Have a good one! Jay
Ps – Sorry for the late report. I'll be quicker next time!
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 15, 2011 | Daily Updates
The south wind blew up a treat last night to cool things off which was much needed, however it has done zip for the waves today. Again we have weak dribble rolling in and it's barely hitting the 2 ft mark at south facing Bondi. Are we heading into a wave drought? Check Coastalwatch for an extended forecast.
How was your breakfast? Mine consisted of flies once again. They are out in force today so keep your big mouth closed. For a good chuckle check this clip out!
If you're looking for a very cool night, why not head down to White Revolver at Bondi tomorrow evening. Simon "Shagga" Saffinga will be showcasing his raw uncut footage from the massive free surfing session that went down during this year's Billabong Pro. It's only $10 clams entry and starts at 7.30pm. Click here for more info.
To round things out for the day, I'm proud to announce that Frothers and Perfect Wave Surf Travel have recently teamed up. We are offering you the opportunity to come aboard a "Perfect Wave Surf Experience", with one of our very own photographers tagging along to capture your epic surf story. We'll be providing more details in the days to come, but if you want to flag a position early, shoot us an email at [email protected]
Oh and lastly. We got to have dinner with legendary surf film maker Jack McCoy last night. His latest project " A deeper shade of blue" is in the last stages of production. We can't wait to see it. It's coming soon.
Good luck keeping the flies at bay, Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 14, 2011 | Daily Updates
How were those weekend crowds! Especially around Bondi and Bronte with Sculptures by the Sea in full swing. If you caught the news the other night, you may have seen a report on how some joggers who run the coastal track have been getting a little frustrated and abusive towards the increased foot traffic. It seems pretty pointless to run it at all during peak times right now, let alone to lose your cool over it. So if you're going for a long run but your temper is short maybe the road route would be a good alternative until the sculptures are packed away.
The surf is still tiny but there were some small peaks at Bondi that were quite fun for a longboard, although it will probably stop breaking on the high tide at 11am. Winds are supposed to increase from the north and swing more N-W through the day but I’m tipping it will stay N-E. We will see.
The water is magic! So if you have an RDO, or are lucky enough to suit yourself, get down and get wet. It’s a great day.
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 11, 2011 | Daily Updates
111111. Remembrance Day. Respect for all those brave souls who have fought and are fighting to make our country and the world a better place. Right now we live in good times and we need to consider that for a moment today.
It’s been a humid week. The air so dense, that we have experienced an evening thunderstorm almost every night. There is nothing quite like sitting on a beach headland at dusk, while lightning from a drifting storm cell illuminates the sky and passes out to sea. I should also add, as long as it’s not poring with rain while you are trying to shoot a photo and you have forgotten your umbrella!
The long overdue southerly change arrived last night to take the edge off the heat and surprisingly it has even brought some swell with it. It’s 2-3 feet, from the south, with a light N-E breeze making Bondi the best option.
Art fever has hit the East! Bondi Public School (Wellington Street, not Bondi Beach Public) is having their annual ‘Sculptures by the Schools’ festival tomorrow, which is in its 6th year. Individual and class exhibits from various local primary and secondary schools, will be on display. They will also have 3 FREE workshops available, hosted by 'Sculptures by the Schools' artists who have given up some time for the kids. There will be other stuff happening as well and I also heard a rumor that the best barista in town will be serving real coffee, so come down, get your fix and check it out!
Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Nov 10, 2011 | Daily Updates
There's still no luck in the wave department. It's micro and weak and not really worth a paddle unless your a logger.
The day job has once again dragged me over the bridge to the north side. I hit Mosman at about 5 am and drove past what looked to be a very bad car accident. I'm really glad I missed seeing it. Imagine being first on the scene to something like that! I hope the driver is ok. Anyway my next thought was to possibly stop and take a photo of the emergency services doing a great job, however no memory card! Shocker. I had to call my old mate Joel Coleman from Saltmotion in Manly to borrow one so I could get todays shots. Thanks Joel I owe you one!
The main shot today is of local Manly lass Rachel Fleming. She was pretty much ruling in the small crowd at Queenscliff. She has got one of the best styles going around on a longboard and I was stoked to say the least in getting a shot of her walking the board.
Have a great day. Bill is back with you tomorrow. Brad
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