With all the talk about Mick Fanning's shark attack in J-Bay I thought what better time to revisit some of the swells over the past 8 years. One that came to mind and was a clear standout session was Cyclone Vania that graced the golden shores of Southern Gold Coast and in particular, Kirra beach.
It was all time, the swell was pumping, the lads were giving shakas left right and centre every 10 seconds, more "gnarly's" were heard than on Blue Crush and it was all ok and vindicated when world champion Mick Fanning rocks up with his Red Bull surf ski and a crew of frothing professionals, what's not to be wowed at? The pure skill and surfing ability of these guys are clearly above many of men and as a photographer, it was a dream come true.
As I begin to work the scene from more angles than an adult film, I find myself situated in the groin. Not that groin, but Kirra Groyne. I sit patiently waiting for the perfect wave and the one who will tame the beast. Many of men begin their take off, frantically paddling and face planting as the waves are steep and heavy. Others make the drop but soon are engulfed in a close outs.
The freight trains are firing from Greenmount to Kirra and at times I begin to wonder if I'm going to suffer some sort of whiplash the following day from all the action going down. I clean the lens, wipe it from all the salty spray from the waves crashing at my feet. Thankfully it's offshore and 4-6ft otherwise I'd need protection.
Mick is on, pumping through the wave as he draws some of the craziest lines I've seen, he truly is a cut above all the rest, look at these photos, in the pocket and flying through the beast.
Truly incredible to watch! PS I'm glad you're ok Mick.
