This was the one we had been waiting for. A swell that had eluded us all winter and finally turned the charts into a colourful thing of beauty. Doug Young, Dan Smith and Dave Lyons had it in their sights along with Sam Hawke, Davy Wooffindin, Dale Hunter, Nick Smart and Brad Roberts. The paddlers had another reef on their radar. If all the stars aligned the way the reports said then we would be on the reef about the time the swell peaked. Driving the ski for me is Dave Wild, a fellow tow surfer, but focused completely on getting me into the best position to shoot. I couldn't make these shots without him.
Take another look at that wave above and imagine for a moment what it takes to be where Dan, or Delta, as we call him, stands. That's a serious slab of water and one of the scariest sessions I have shot. Delta thrived in these conditions. So did Doug, of course, and Dave Lyons seemed completely at ease within these hollow, hollow waves that sounded like freight trains coming around the coastline.
There's a link below in the PS this week where you can see more images and read the full story from this session – a session that only happens once in a blue moon. It blew me away and I'm still buzzing from it. Take your time with the images this week, extend your coffee break and soak up the power and madness.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS These past few months we've been working on a new project that is due to launch in a few weeks. Right now we'd like to invite our Box of Light readers to check out New Zealand Surf Journal before everyone else gets a chance. And if you liked today's edition of Box of Light, you'll love the full story from this session. You can read about it right here on NZ Surf Journal. If you experience anything odd, please let us know by emailing us at info@nzsurfjournal.com – you're getting Beta access to this one. Our goal with New Zealand Surf Journal is to cover all aspects of the New Zealand surf culture: its athletes, thought leaders, shapers and businesses contributing to the surf experience in New Zealand. Enjoy ...
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