by Franck Gazzola | Feb 6, 2012 | Daily Updates
It was nice to finally see some sunshine and waves over the weekend. You could say that we had the full combo! Dangerous conditions kept the lifeguards from Waverley and Randwick Council very busy and they put in an amazing effort once again with the hoards of people flocking to our beaches. The twins at Tama caught out a few surfers, scrambling up the rocks and taking a bit of bark off along the way.
Today the swell has kicked even more. South Maroubra is macking out at 6 ft + and so is Bronte. I saw a couple of guys paddle out at Tama but it was very humpy bumpy. They didn't last long at all. Bondi is more sheltered and a bit more user friendly. There's still the odd bomb set but not much shape. I'd say get out of town and find a point break. You may need to hide from that S wind that just blew up!
This is pretty sick from Surfline…
PS – I am going to do a boat trip to the Maldives 12th – 22nd May. Who's coming?It's a great chance to get some cool surf shots of yourself and not to mention a few well deserved barrels. Drop me a line Here… We need 8 more crew.
Happy Monday – Brad
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
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