Big smoke. I've just come back from a two-day shoot there and didn't actually see a lot of smoke at all. Maybe a bit out of the beat up old van I followed at 5-50kmh through rush-hour traffic at one stage, but otherwise not much else actually resembled smoke in that gigantic city.
We were expecting rain storms, but got a lot of sunshine. That was perfect for a fitness shoot with some super inspiring people for the iconic Kiwi brand Horleys – they make supplements to help people get the most out of their training sessions and exercise. And that means everyone from gym bunnies, to surfers, beach runners, walkers and even dog owners. So, naturally, the crew was always going to be a lot of fun to work with.
Every location was energised, but my favourite would have to be Bethells Beach with Muriwai local Odile Smits. She turned up with a fresh fin cut above her left eyebrow (she taped it up herself instead of going to get stitches in what looked like it should have been a 5 or 6-stitch job). And she was fizzing on the waves – a super chilled out 1-2 foot peak producing lefts and rights. She epitomised stoke as she harvested the peak with just a handful of local rippers to keep her company.
Even for summer, the water temp was stifling and that welcomed in a swarm of inch-long jellyfish with short brown tentacles that stung like half-baked wasps. Painful enough to take the edge off the lazy summer vibes of Bethells Beach, but not enough to paddle in for. The light just kept getting better, the jellyfish swarm thicker, and I regretted wearing a rash shirt as they got trapped inside. Eventually Odile paddles up to me. She's been stung in the eye. She's paddling in and I can't help but think that maybe 20-30 pretty cool rides is plenty to fuel her stoke for the next day of waves. Inspiring.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS If you were thinking that the WSL had gone gaga by dropping Cloudbreak for 2018 and adding in a pool event (no offence KS), then you're not alone. This interview with the deputy commissioner of the WSL Renato Hickel, as unearthed by our friends at Stab, may help you sleep easier ... or maybe not.
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