Sometimes stalking the right light around this coastline can be a mind-bending quest and other times it all comes together like a south swell and brisk norwester. This week it all came together for a picture of Tunnel Beach for Miller Creative Group. A cloud-shrouded sunrise delivered the type of golden light that sets this coast alight with soft hues. Perfect for a large format image of one of our most iconic coastal features soon to be gracing an entire wall.
But it doesn't always happen that way – I've been trying for seven years to shoot the sun illuminating a wave at Second Beach on dusk. The sun only makes it that far south for a few days each summer and in the past seven years ... no dice. Not for me anyway. Hopefully this year we have a swell during that narrow, narrow window.
Lots of madness in the surfing world this past week: firstly Paige Hareb copped a dubious interference call at the White Buffalo Women's Pro in Japan that essentially puts her 2016 WSL Qualifying Series campaign in jeopardy. She's currently 12th in the QS and surfing at CT standard in every heat, but this call could see her miss out on the 2017 tour by the slimmest of margins. Very frustrating.
Then the Gold Coast shark siege has burst to life again with three attacks in the past month. It's enough to make most seasoned surfers question their next surf. That is a dire situation. Sure, we have to deal with seals, sea lions and unhinged locals on a daily basis, but sharks. That's intense.
I managed three surfs over the long weekend and can confirm that surfing is good for the soul. Feed it.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS Our gallery is now open Thursday, Friday and Saturday thanks to the lovely Geena. Come visit us at 1 Dowling Street, Dunedin.
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